“Selfie” refers to a photograph or video of oneself, typically with a smartphone or digital camera. Taking selfies is a popular activity in this new age of social media. It is not limited to age, gender or profession.

There are a variety of reasons why people take selfies.

One reason is that with the advancement of technology, smartphones and other digital cameras have made it easier for people to take and share. 

Additionally, the rise of social media platforms has created a culture where people are encouraged to share their lives and experiences.

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Another reason is the increasing desire for self-expression and self-identity. For example, people may take selfies to gain validation or attention from others. 

In addition, instant feedback like ‘like’ and ‘comment’ on social media boosts one’s self-esteem and give them a sense of validation.

‘Self-expression’

Self-expression is a healthy and vital aspect of personal growth and development. However, using selfies as a means of self-expression can also be unhealthy, depending on the individual’s approach.

It allows them to express their individuality, document their experiences and connect with others with similar interests. 

It can also enable individuals to explore and experiment with different aspects of their appearance, such as hairstyles, makeup, or clothing.

On the other hand, excessive use of selfies as a means of self-expression can become an addiction and an obsession to take the perfect shot. 

Additionally, constantly seeking validation through ‘likes’ and ‘comments’ on social media can harm one’s self-esteem and lead to anxiety and depression.

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‘Self-identity’

With the rise of social media, people feel pressure to present an idealised online version of themselves. Those who cannot live up to this idealised image may develop mental health issues.

Additionally, constantly comparing oneself to others on social media can harm self-esteem, as nearly all users present an idealised version of themselves. 

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Therefore, it can lead to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem in those who cannot live up to this idealised image.

Some people become so obsessed with getting the perfect shot that they spend too much time digitally editing and retouching their photos. It is due to their dissatisfaction with their bodies, emanating from low self-esteem.

Narcissistic society

The rise of selfie culture has sparked concern about its potential to create a narcissistic society. Frequent use and the culture surrounding selfies may contribute to the development of narcissistic traits in individuals.

Narcissism is a personality trait characterised by excessive self-love, a grandiose sense of self-importance, and a need for attention and admiration, resulting in a lack of empathy towards others. 

While narcissism can be present in varying degrees, it can become a pathological disorder when it impairs one’s ability to function in social, personal, or professional relationships.

Selfie culture may contribute to the development of narcissism in several ways.

Constant taking and sharing of selfies can create an excessive focus on one’s appearance, leading to a preoccupation with one’s physical attributes. 

Moreover, this preoccupation with appearance can lead to an increased emphasis on external validation and the pursuit of attention and admiration from others.

The social media culture and instant gratification of ‘like’ and ‘comment’ can create an environment where individuals seek validation and attention through their online presence. It distracts a person from developing a true sense of self-worth.

Furthermore, social media can create a sense of competition among individuals as they strive to command the most visually appealing and attention-grabbing images of themselves. 

It builds a lack of empathy towards others, as individuals may prioritise their needs for attention over the needs of others. Own online presence and image precede genuine relationships with others.

However, it is essential to note that while selfie culture may contribute to the development of narcissistic traits in some individuals, it is not the sole cause of narcissism. 

Narcissism is a complex personality trait that can have multiple other reasons, including environmental factors and childhood experiences. Moreover, not all individuals who engage in selfie culture will develop narcissistic characteristics.

Pseudo-celebrityhood

Selfie culture can contribute to the development of a pseudo-celebrity culture in society. With the rise of social media platforms, individuals can create a persona and cultivate a ‘following’ based on their appearance and lifestyle.

The constant taking and sharing of selfies, digitally curated images and videos showcasing a particular lifestyle is consequential to the development of a pseudo-celebrity culture. 

Individuals are perceived as celebrities due to their online following and perceived influence. It can create a sense of validation and self-worth based on the number of ‘followers’ and ‘likes’ an individual receives rather than actual accomplishments or talent.

The culture of influencer marketing, in which brands pay individuals with large social media followings to promote their products, contributes to developing a pseudo-celebrity culture. Individuals seek online fame and influence to monetise rather than pursue traditional career paths or personal growth.

The development of a pseudo-celebrity culture can have negative consequences on society. It can promote a superficial and materialistic mindset, in which individuals prioritise their appearance and online following over genuine relationships and personal fulfilment. 

It can also create an unrealistic and unattainable standard of living, leading to feelings of inadequacy.

Sometimes, taking selfies can be dangerous, as individuals attempt to take a unique and attention-grabbing selfie in a risky location or situation. 

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For example, taking a selfie while driving, on top of a tall building, or near a wild animal has resulted in harmful and fatal consequences.

Impact

The impact of selfie culture on society can be both advantageous and damaging. On the one hand, selfie culture can promote self-expression, self-confidence, and individuality.

 But on the other hand, it can also serve as a means of connecting with others and documenting one’s life experiences.

Selfie culture can also damage society, promoting narcissism, materialism, and superficiality. It can also contribute to a culture of comparison and competition, leading to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem among those who cannot achieve the same perceived success as others on social media.

Additionally, selfie culture can contribute to the spread of misinformation and negative body image. Filters and editing tools can create unrealistic beauty standards, and individuals may feel pressure to conform to these standards to receive validation and acceptance on social media. 

It starts a cycle of comparison, self-doubt, and perpetuating harmful stereotypes and beauty standards.

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Furthermore, selfie culture can also have a negative impact on mental health. Studies have shown that excessive use of social media, especially sharing selfies, can contribute to feelings of anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. 

It is due in part to the constant pressure to present a perfect image online and the fear of missing out (FOMO) on the experiences of others.

Selfie culture will continue to negatively hamper the mental, physical and social well-being of a person and society. It can be termed a kind of pollution that prevails in social media. We all have to live with and deal with it.