We all have at least one of them. You know who I mean… that one person who is constantly posting pictures starring their #1 favorite person: themselves. On any given day, you’re treated to five “duckface” poses, as well as various shots of Selfie Star going about their day. Though likely the cry of someone desperate for attention, you can’t help but refuse to like any of these posts. Far from entertaining, they actually drive you a little bit crazy, sometimes to the point where you have to “unfollow” the person’s Facebook profile just to remain friends with them. What is it that drives someone to post endless selfies on a daily basis?
What is a selfie?
The term “selfie” has only recently entered our vocabulary. Before the advent of the cell phone, we didn’t see such a phenomenon. Today, selfies are everywhere and have even inspired the invention of a self-proclaimed “selfie stick” to help photographers get the perfect shot of themselves.
But just what is a selfie?
A selfie is essentially a picture that someone takes of themselves using a phone or webcam with the intent of posting it on various social media platforms. Most selfies are taken by activating the front-facing camera on a smartphone, but some brave souls attempt to take selfies the old-fashioned way, with mixed results.
Why do people post selfies?
We live in a very self-centered, narcissistic era, and it can be easy to dismiss the selfie phenomenon as part of that. While there are surely some people who post daily selfies simply because they enjoy looking at themselves, they are typically the exception rather than the rule.
Here are some reasons why people might post frequent selfies:
As a means of self-expression
For some people, a selfie is simply a way to express different aspects of their personality. They enjoy documenting what they’re doing, and often, others appreciate being allowed to go along for the ride.
Selfies are especially appealing to people who enjoy “dressing up” or who love makeup or food. Why not take a photo of yourself beside your latest cupcake creation? Put together a smashing ensemble today? Why not document the “look” for the world to see?
Selfies can also serve as a way for people to remember particularly great occasions or things they’re truly proud of. What better way to create a memory than by posting a great photo? It’s a living record to celebrate someone’s uniqueness and can be viewed again and again as a reminder of wonderful times.
To get attention
The obvious assumption is that people who post repetitive selfies are looking for attention, and this can often be true. Social media lends itself well to addictive personalities who begin to feel driven to achieve more and more “likes” on their posts as a means to feel valued and appreciated.
At times, some people post many selfies daily with the intent of gaining the attention—and hopefully the affections—of one person in particular. Sadly, this can often backfire as many people tire quickly of being bombarded by constant images of the same person throughout the day. Instead of garnering more attention and interest, they can end up becoming “unfollowed” or even “unfriended,” which means not only less attention, but actual apathy, or even pity and frustration, from the intended selfie viewers.
For something to do
For someone who is simply bored and looking for something to pass the time, taking a selfie can be just what the doctor ordered. Achieving the perfect selfie photo can be akin to an art form. Lighting makes a difference, as does location, clothing, props, and makeup. Making a project out of creating the ideal postable image can help the selfie photographer learn new skills in a way that can be advantageous to them—and even to others. Done in moderation, it is a harmless way to pass the time.
To keep their social media profiles active
With the algorithms of social media newsfeeds prioritizing profiles that are most active, this provides great incentive for people to take and post selfies. After all, the more someone posts, the more they are seen. Many people enjoy having a profile that is seen as a place where things happen. Frequent selfies can help them achieve this goal.
To build self-esteem
Sadly, some people suffer from very low self-esteem and turn to the internet to gain the approval they desperately seek. Unfortunately, these individuals are often far less discriminating in who they add as friends or invite to become their friends. When selfie-takers lack feelings of self-worth, they become easy targets for predators. Their selfies can become increasingly provocative, attracting the wrong kind of attention. This is particularly dangerous when seen in teenagers, who may lack the ability to discern between people whose motives are far from pure.
In today’s society, we also see an alarming trend where people fail to be as honest as they should be. Children today live in a world where they are often not held accountable for their actions. It’s an “everyone gets a trophy” type of environment. Unfortunately, the world doesn’t operate according to these rules. Shielding children from the truth backfires, causing even greater harm when it’s revealed later, contradicting what the person has always believed about themselves. The selfie phenomenon plays into this societal epidemic by driving people to determine their worth based on the opinions of strangers who have far less than their best interests at heart.
The Dangers of Selfies
While selfies can be harmless fun, they can also lead to all sorts of trouble. Teenagers should be well-supervised by their parents to prevent them from toxic and harmful online relationships. But it’s not just children who are at risk—adults are also often targeted, particularly if they are vulnerable and seeking love and attention.
Here are some dangers selfies can cause if proper precautions are not taken:
Eating disorders
While we know that the internet has equipped people with various tools to enhance photos, we still tend to compare ourselves against what is out there. This becomes even more dangerous for young, impressionable minds who are prone to take everything at face value. They look at photos of other teenage girls and celebrities and start to categorize all their perceived faults until they become firmly convinced they fall short and are unworthy of love. This can lead to eating disorders, body image dissatisfaction, and devastatingly low self-esteem.
Loss of “in-person” relationships
With the advent of cell phones, it’s become easier for people to live their lives “online.” Many social media users begin to interact exclusively with their cyber friends, cutting out family and true friends in the process. Sadly, these online friends may be people they’ve never even met in person, yet they hold tremendous power over the person’s emotional well-being.
Online bullying
Social media has empowered a new type of bully. Capable of hiding behind a computer screen, some social media users lack the manners to use their words to build others up, instead using these tools to tear them apart. Cyberbullying has become an epidemic and has played a role in many cases of depression and even suicide in recent years.
Your selfie pictures drive me nuts! If you’ve ever said it—or even thought it—you are not alone! While posting selfies can be a completely harmless activity, it’s important to maintain proper boundaries. As with many things in life, moderation is key. If someone else’s constant selfie posting has you feeling a little crazy, a simple 30-day snooze might be just what the doctor ordered.
