I wanted a way to portray how much power Cyberlife holds over Connor's existence - but also all other androids as well. I mean, I'm sure they know they are alive, they just choose not to care. They shut Connor off as simply as Amanda cuts off that rose in the mission successful machine Connor ending. I also HC that Connor is always afraid to die, no matter if he remains a machine or not, he just deliberately chooses to suppress these thoughts and feelings if he remains a machine.