The history and definition of the selfie
Selfies have quickly become one of the most popular forms of self-expression on social media. But where did this trend come from and what does it really mean? The word “selfie” was first coined in 2002 by an Australian man, and referred to a self-portrait taken with a digital camera. However, the modern selfie craze began in 2012 when front-facing smartphone cameras became popularized. Since then, selfies have exploded in popularity, with people sharing them on social media sites like Instagram and Facebook.
The psychology of taking selfies: Why do people take selfies?
Selfies have become a common way for people to document their lives and share photos with friends and family on social media. But why do people take selfies? According to a study by the University of York, there are several reasons why people take selfies. The study found that people take selfies to capture memories, boost self-esteem, and connect with others.
People often take selfies to capture memories of special moments or trips. For example, a person might take a selfie at the Eiffel Tower while on vacation in Paris. Or someone might snap a picture of themselves with their new baby or pet. These photos can help preserve memories of happy times.
People also often take selfies to boost their self-esteem. A selfie can make someone feel good about themselves if they feel like they look good in the photo.
What is narcissism and how is it related to selfie obsession
Narcissism has been around for centuries, but the rise of social media has given individuals a new way to express their narcissistic tendencies. With social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat, people can share photos and selfies of themselves with the world, and they can get instant feedback from friends and followers. This constant feedback can fuel someone’s narcissism and lead to an obsession with selfies and social media, a mental disorder commonly known as Selfitis.
Individuals with this condition are obsessed with themselves and their online presence. They post selfies and other flattering photos regularly, often seeking validation from others online. They also like to brag about their accomplishments, even if they’re not really that impressive.
Social media narcissists are often very insecure and need constant affirmation from others. They tend to be over-sensitive to any criticism, no matter how minor. And they’ll go to great lengths to make sure that their social media profiles look good.
Since 2014 selfie syndrome also known as selfitis is recognized as an official disorder. There are three levels of disorder described by the APA;
- Borderline selfitis: taking at least three photos a day but not posting them on social media.
- Acute selfitis: Taking self-pictures at least three times a day and posting them on social networks.
- Chronic selfitis: Uncontrollable urge to take selfies all day long and posting the photos on social media up to six times a day.
Is it narcissistic to post selfies?
In a world where social media is king, it’s no surprise that the selfie has become the norm. But what happens when taking selfies becomes an obsession? What are the signs of social media narcissism?
According to a study by Ohio State University, people who post more selfies than average tend to have higher levels of narcissism and self-esteem. They’re also more likely to feel lonely and depressed.
So why do people post selfies?
For some, it’s a way to get attention and feel popular. For others, it’s a way to boost their self-esteem. And for still others, it’s a way to document their lives.
But is there such a thing as too many selfies? When does taking selfies become an unhealthy obsession?
Signs of narcissism on social media
In a world where social media is a constant presence in our lives, it’s no surprise that narcissism is on the rise. According to a study by the University of Michigan, the number of young adults who score high in narcissistic traits has increased in the past two decades. And it’s not just young people who are affected – narcissism is increasing across all age groups.
One way to measure narcissism is through social media use. The more often someone posts selfies and updates their status, the more likely they are to be narcissistic. In fact, one study found that the average person takes about eight photos of themselves for every one photo they take of someone else.
Narcissists love to post about their accomplishments and brag about their exploits.
What are the dangers of being obsessed with selfies?
Selfie obsession is a recent trend that has been growing in our society. People are now more obsessed with taking selfies than ever before. The rise of social media narcissism has caused people to become more self-centered and focused on their own appearance. This can be dangerous, as it can lead to problems such as body image issues and low self-esteem. Additionally, selfie obsession can also lead to risky behavior, as people may put themselves in dangerous situations in order to get the perfect photo. It is important to be aware of the dangers of selfie obsession and take steps to avoid becoming too obsessed with taking selfies.
How to deal with selfie addiction?
The rise of social media narcissism has led to an increase in selfie addiction. For some people, taking selfies is a way to get attention and feel popular. But for others, it can be a sign of a mental health disorder called narcissistic personality disorder. People with this disorder are obsessed with themselves and their appearance. They need constant validation from others and often have a sense of entitlement.
If photos have a tendency to consume you, there are things you can do to address this. First, you can establish limits on how many times you share selfies, and second, you can focus on the positive aspects of yourself instead of the negatives at any given time. You may also give therapy a try or seek professional treatment, if needed.
Conclusion
Selfie addiction is becoming a serious problem on social media. People are obsessively taking selfies and posting them online for attention. This can lead to social media narcissism, where people become obsessed with their own image and start to ignore the needs of others.
Selfitis can also have negative consequences for mental health. People who are addicted to selfies often feel insecure and need constant validation from others. This can lead to low self-esteem and depression.
Selfie addiction can also have negative consequences for relationships. When people are addicted to selfies, they often spend more time on social media than they do with actual people. This can lead to problems in relationships, as people start to value their online friends more than their real-life friends.
Next read: The Do’s and Don’ts of Selfie Poses
Original infographic via rawhide.org in 2016, content updated in February 2022.
