#Throwback Thursday: A Picture Says A Thousand Words – What “Selfies” Say About YOU?

Selfie has been established as a form of self-expression. From the first recorded self-image to Ellen DeGenere’s viral photo at the Academy Awards, selfies have been getting quite a buzz. They are put on exhibition all across the social networks, such as, Facebook and Instagram; that have become some of the top rising global brands. According to the data published by Samsung, a million selfies are clicked on daily basis. The world has become obsessed with taking them, and posting them online. Samsung further highlighted that selfies account for an estimated 33% of all photos taken in 2014, by people between the ages of 25 and 33. The slideshare provides you some similar interesting facts about selfies that you will be astonished to know.

Like all other actions, selfies affect and reflect a great deal about the person taking them. There may be people with a narcissistic streak who’d obsess over publicizing their cutest angles (see, for example, the raging duck-face phenomenon! Tsk tsk…) or someone, who is too deprived of attention in real life. What is it, then, about selfies that makes it such a sensation for everyone? Is it merely a consequence of everyone having access to smartphones, or is it something more? What do selfies communicate about you? Let’s dig deeper!

1. Diagnosing The Disorder – You Are Mentally Ill:

There you have it! According to latest research in the field of behavioral sciences, experts have linked the selfie-infatuation with mental illness. They believe that people regularly searching for the perfect angle to portray themselves, in some cases, could be suffering emotionally as well as psychologically.

Some psychiatrists say that majority of the patients with Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) take a lot of selfies. In one extreme case of the disorder, a teenager Danny Bowman tried to commit suicide, because he was dissatisfied with his appearance in his selfies. Dr Pamela Rutledge, Director of the Media Psychology Research Centre in Boston Massachusetts, believes that taking excessive selfies is a form of “acting out” in young people and can be a cry for help.

2. Shaping Your Image To Exude Like-Ability:

Taking a shot of group of friends with the caption saying “Blessed to have such amazing friends”… What exactly do you want to depict? “I am so popular and everybody likes me?” You need to be real; do not shape your image to show others that you are likeable.

3. Publication Is A Self-Invasion Of Privacy:

Licensed counselor Roxanne Pratt, with Arbor Counseling, says selfies can be fun, sometimes, but at “other times it may be the person seeking validation from the outside”. She believes taking too many selfies could be an expression of an individual’s self-esteem issues. In her opinion, people posting excessive selfies are seeking attention and positive feedback. Posting your pictures in dancing pose with a friend with fewer clothes, showing-off your body portrays you as shameless. Your body is not for publication and social media is NOT for self-promotion.

4. The Best Tool To Show-Off – “See How Amazing I Look:”

It is generally believed that one of the main reasons for posting selfies is as a show-off tool. While, the picture will be only of your face; the underlying message would be: “look, how amazing I am!” or “I am having such a great time!” But, as selfies are gaining popularity we have become more curious to know what they actually convey about their subjects. A current study has shown that minimum 7 selfies are taken before we get the one we’re happy with. This is usually done after, 69% of us have messed about with our hair and makeup and 19% changed the outfit. Some selfie-obsessed celebrities have also hired assistants; specifically to ensure they are posting regular and beautiful selfies. Imagine the amount of collective energy being channeled into taking the ‘perfect selfie’.

5. Manifestation Of Society’s Obsession With Looks:

Selfies might be a long-winded work of art. Benny Winfield Jr. is one the world’s most famous masters of the art. He has proclaimed himself as the leader of the selfie movement with 195,000 instagram followers and posts identical smiley selfies every day. Selfies are considered as a manifestation of society’s obsession with looks. There’s a sense that selfie subjects believe as if they are starring in their own reality shows. Furthermore, they assume that their friends or followers would be interested in seeing them lying in bed, lips pursed. Additionally, it portrays as though you like looking in the mirror all day long, and want others to see it too. This, as a result, has serious implications.

6. Embracing The Stress Of Narcissism:

Walking down the street you can count the number of people pointing phones at their faces for selfies. It has been heard that narcissistic stress is at an all-time high. Social media plays a significant role in broadcasting these tendencies, which would, otherwise, have gone unnoticed. Reliance on user-generated content over Facebook, Twitter and so on, encourages an endless stream of self-promotion. Uploading selfies on social networks is likely to make users more arrogant and self-conscious because it gives everyone the illusion of self-importance, grandiose and need for admiration.

7. Avenue For Lowering Your Self-Esteem:

Selfies emphasize too much on the physical appearance rather than one’s personality. Likes and comments on social media that build self-esteem can crush it too. If two photos are posted, one with nine likes and other with two likes, few may perceive this as being less valued. At the same time, in a world of cyber bullying negative comments are also a possibility that can be embarrassing. An innocuous photo could be used as a weapon for intimidation against you.

With front-facing cameras in your smartphones you can decide how to frame yourself. You do not trust someone else to make you look good, but selfies can help you see the picture you are taking. You can frame it perfectly to show yourself off as best as possible. You can take as many pictures as you want without letting anyone know how much vanity has gone into that “casual” pose. You can manipulate your image as much as you like through digital technology. But, once posted online, you can never control how other people see you. It is rather better to stay true and leave an impression. Are you selfie-obsessed? Do you think this obsession is for self-celebration or narcissism? Share your thoughts with us!