Today, selfie-style photos are everywhere across social media. While many see them as just another part of modern digital culture, for some people they can become something more serious. In some cases, they may even contribute to personality disorders. This raises an important question: is taking selfies a sign of narcissism?
Let’s start with a definition:
What is Narcissism?
Narcissism is generally defined as an excessive admiration for oneself; in simple terms, being in love with oneself. The concept has different interpretations and uses. Sigmund Freud described narcissism as “the libidinal cathexis of the ego.”
Narcissism is also recognised as a personality disorder. In this context, social media -one of the defining elements of the digital age- creates an environment that encourages narcissistic tendencies.
What are the behaviours of a social media narcissist?
A research suggests that social media narcissists tend to display the following behaviours:
- Frequently changing profile photos to attract attention and gain approval
- Sending excessive friend requests, not to build genuine relationships but to appear popular
- Posting excessively to gain more likes and engagement
- Sharing opinions or information even on trivial matters as a form of self-promotion
- Checking social media obsessively to avoid missing any comments or mentions about themselves
- Seeking reassurance, especially during difficult moments, by repeatedly scrolling through their feeds
A social media narcissist may also display sudden emotional reactions, such as overreacting to simple comments or becoming defensive when challenged.
The negative effects of selfie addiction
Although selfie addiction may not always have a direct impact, it can lead to outcomes associated with narcissistic tendencies. Some of the most common include:
- Insecurity and low self-confidence
- Self-objectification
- Addiction
- Damage to friendships and relationships
- Body image issues
- Depression
A real-life example: In 2014, a 19-year-old named Danny Bowman attempted suicide after spending up to 10 hours a day trying to take what he considered the perfect selfie (details here).
How can selfie addiction be controlled?
In general, social media and selfies can provide a useful space for self-expression. However, it is important to prevent this from developing into an unhealthy habit. This approach is often referred to as the 3 Rs of selfie control: Reduce, Rethink, Reflect.
- Reduce: Limit time spent online and increase offline activities to strengthen real-life relationships
- Rethink: Use social media for its intended purpose — social connection — rather than self-promotion
- Reflect: Consider what your posts truly represent and whether they reflect your real self
In conclusion, when selfie use turns into a form of social media narcissism, its impact -particularly on younger people- should not be underestimated. Raising awareness of this issue, especially among parents, is therefore essential.
Sources: Rawhide, Mirror Online, Hazem Khaldieh (Prezi), Glo, Izzi Gadgets, Buffer, Daily Star, Beauty Redefined, Lifehack, Huffington Post, Dr. David Veale, Wise Geek