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Are Selfies Linked to Narcissism?
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Are Selfies Linked to Narcissism? Clearly, people are fascinated with the growing phenomenon of taking pictures of ourselves. The Oxford Dictionary, in recognition of this trend, made “Selfies” the Word of the Year in 2013. Selfies generate strong emotion. According to an article in Forbes, we love to hate them. Perhaps this is because selfies are inherently narcissitic. Every narcissist needs a reflecting pool. Just as Narcissus gazed into the pool to admire his beauty, social networking sites have become our modern-day pool. But are we being too quick in associating social networking sites with narcissistic behavior? In April of 2014, a group of University of North Florida researchers conducted a study on over 400 individuals to investigate the relationship between social media use, empathy and narcissism. The study concluded that only one behavior accurately predicted a causal relationship between narcissism and selfies: Their profile picture ratings. Narcissistic individuals have an exaggerated view of their attractiveness and want to share it with the world. The profile picture is the most tangible aspect of a user’s online self-presentation, making it a touchstone for narcissists seeking to draw attention to themselves. The differences between the sexes are fascinating. While men were more narcissistic according to the test, narcissistic women were more likely to rate their profile pictures as more physically attractive, glamorous, and cool. This may mean that narcissistic women are more likely to use social media as a reflecting pool than narcissistic males. However, it is worth noting that many other social media activities were not linked to narcissism. The number of friends they had, even how often they posted photos of themselves were not related to narcissistic tendencies. This pattern suggests that while social media may be a tool for narcissists, it is more than just a reflecting pool. I'm curious about your thoughts. Do you think people that post a lot of photos of themselves on their blogs are inherently more narcissistic than those that don't? Or are these individuals just very insecure people looking for validation? |
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I'd say it's the latter--most people posting photos are seeking external validation. While narcissists love to be admired, as well, I think they have a more insidious, self-serving agenda. Interesting topic, as usual. 
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Sure posting a lot of pictures of yourself CAN be a narcissistic thing – and at least on female blogger comes to mind in that regard. (NOO, not you! You don’t post enough!! Haa). But also too, the selfie can be a way to see yourself as others see you. One of the issue of seeing ourselves via photos (though not selfies) I developed the comment I made here last night on your post in to a complete post of my won. I do think D was wanting to (get back to?) seeing her sexual side. BOB or HAL Could THIS Be My AFF Legacy – Help me get the word out! Boudoir Photography AND Modeling My New Career Are You Ready for Some Football, on HNW Sleazy Motels [post 3312759] My Private Blog – Tell me All your Secrets
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Sometimes yes and sometimes no. I think, like most things, it depends on the individual. I just try not to judge and go from there. Me, I'm not much into being in photographs. It's not that I don't take a good picture, it's just a personal preference thing. Save a horse, ride a cowboy!!
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Ok, but what does this mean to me? hahaha Smart as a horse and hung like Einstein.
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If he/she likes their own selfie, I'll say narcissist. If it's a regular thing for them, and they still do a duckface with the tilted head, I'll say insecurity. If it has a purpose behind it (ex. something in the background, underboob pose, some form of advertising, ect...) then i'd say self gratification. Sometimes a little ego boost is a good thing and sharing these memories are the new age way compared to the polaroid days.
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Either could be the case or neither or even both. Individuals are varied and generalizations don't take the whole picture of an individual. How's that for a non-answer.  Vive La Difference
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maybe not narcissism....but maybe the need for acceptance....belonging!! “Life is available only in the present moment.” Thich Nhat Hanh Come and read my blog! Become a watcher! veryfunnycple64 
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Believe it or not I take selfies all the time. I don't do it because I believe I am attractive. I do it to provide evidence that I really had the adventure shown in the photo. I have a lot of wild adventures. My featured post this week: Pulling Fantasy Sex Out of My Ass.
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Hi Hon, Isn't a selfie an extension of the 'me first' seen in many people nowadays? Does the selfie become your facade, or even alter-ego, to show the world you are enjoying your life?
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You may be a sociopath.
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I apologize I wasn't saying you your self were a sociopath but a person that takes selfies might be a sociopath. Since sociopaths and narcissism share some of the same traits.
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