From International Business Times:
Selfies Linked to Narcissism, Addiction and Mental Illness, Say Scientists
The growing trend of taking smartphone selfies is linked to mental health conditions that focus on a person's obsession with looks...
From Wikipedia on narcissism:
Narcissism is the pursuit of gratification from vanity, or egotistic admiration of one's own physical or mental attributes, that derive from arrogant pride. The term originated with Narcissus in Greek mythology who fell in love with his own image reflected in a pool of water.
Every time you take a photo of yourself and share it with the world, you're seeking gratification and approval from others for your appearance.
Back in 2012, I was intrigued by a work of art that someone had done, where they took a photo of themselves every single day for 365 days and then put it together into a video. It was to show their personal changes over a year. I thought it would be fun to do the same kind of thing.
I gave it up after a few months because I was uncomfortable with taking photos of myself. I recognised there was an element of vanity involved, showing myself to the world on a daily basis. The fact I was doing it for an artistic experiment didn't matter, because I felt uncomfortable doing it.
Being all narcissistic and putting myself on display just didn't feel right to me, so I stopped.
Lots of women take selfies. Lots of them take lots of selfies. They seek the attention of men so they can feel better about themselves. And they're encouraged by idiot, lonely and desperate men that give them that gratification.
"You're so hot! Here's my number, call me."
Etc etc.
What about you? Do you take a lot of selfies? Maybe you should just stop it, it's only catering to your mental illness. Your friends know what you look like. Strangers can see what you look like with your profile photo, if they're interested. The rest of your photos? Just share the beauty of your life and the world around you.
The same could be said about those who publish their opinions on a daily basis. One man's narcissism is another's form of self-expression. (Insert my latest selfie here.) ;-)
ReplyDeleteDo you really feel that writing an opinion is the same as a selfie?
ReplyDeleteYou're right to an extent Alan, this selfie trend is a bit annoying. I have done it a few times, just for fun, like me in front of all the guitars hanging in my music shop, but my non smart phone is NOT conducive to a well placed shot.
ReplyDeleteI think it is a bit much some times. Yeah sure, TAKE a pic of where you are. It's IMPLIED you are there, otherwise you couldn't have TAKEN the bloody shot in the 1st place! But to always INCLUDE your self in the location is probably a bit much!
As to women doing nude selfies...well if she wants to send me nude pics of her self, who am I to say no? ;oP , I just rarely if ever reciprocate! LOL!