26 In such an environment, new users have begun to rethink how they present themselves. Recently, text-based platforms like Threads have emerged, encouraging more sincere modes of expression. Young people are moving away from pursuing aesthetically pleasing images to share immediate feelings and everyday details through words. Although Threads is linked to Instagram accounts, its conversational atmosphere resembles a "semi-anonymous" community—where identity is less important than the feelings and resonances that emerge from genuine exchanges. The short messages like X using very limited characters create a mixture of the short form, colloque, images, icons, memes and emojis as instant communicative messages with extended meanings of jargon, such as the multiple meanings of giving out a "like" or thumb up, etc. The self-image online sometimes may not align with one's identity offline; the constructed identity always confuses others and the writers themselves. Thus, self-identity becomes blurred. For this generation, social media is no longer merely a stage for showcasing; it has become a place for seeking authentic communication. These platforms offer a newfound freedom — free from the constraints of external packaging and no longer bound by the number of likes or followers. Balancing Virtual Identities and Real Selves The emergence of the metaverse has further propelled the transformation of virtual identities. People are no longer satisfied with simply showcasing themselves in reality; they are exploring the possibilities of redefining themselves in the digital realm. In the metaverse, we can transcend geographical and reallife limitations to experiment with entirely new identities. We may add more of the hybrid of virtual and product design to meet customer consumption needs and make them unique online. For instance, luxury brands like Gucci and Balenciaga have started hosting virtual fashion shows and releasing NFT collections in the metaverse, creating a new landscape in the fashion world. It fosters brands to empower one's social identity both on Reality and Virtuality – a balancing art nowadays in the transformative design world. These virtual events are entertainment and allow individuals to find new value within a digital environment. Moreover, the virtual game "Second Life" is a classic example. In "Second Life", users can create personal avatars while engaging in commercial transactions and design products using virtual currency, Tilia. Within this digital community, many have found a sense of belonging that is often unattainable in real life. Whether creating virtual shops, attending virtual concerts, or simply forming genuine emotional connections with strangers, the essence of these virtual interactions is often an extension of self-exploration. However, creating these identities also presents new challenges: amidst increasingly complex digital identities, how do we avoid losing ourselves? Some individuals may gradually detach from real life in pursuit of an idealised virtual persona, even falling into a state of "escaping reality". Virtual identity should not be a tool for escaping reality but rather an extension of self-exploration. We need to find a balance between the real and the virtual to live our true selves. Self-Exploration in a Multi-faceted Identity The evolution of the digital world has granted us unprecedented flexibility in our identities. We can embody specific roles in real life while simultaneously crafting entirely new personas in virtual spaces. However, the true challenge lies in discovering the core self amidst these multifaceted identities. From anonymous forums to the idealised images of Instagram, and immersive interactions in the metaverse, our digital identities resemble a constantly evolving journey. This journey is not merely about finding ways to present ourselves; it also offers opportunities to explore our innermost needs. Some may find confidence in the virtual world, while others establish deep emotional connections with others through social platforms. These experiences remind us that self-exploration does not have
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