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Selfie Psychology

There is nothing more awkward than watching a stranger take a selfie. Okay, maybe there are a few things more awkward, but come on, it’s pretty bad. There’s something about the angling, the posing and the vanity of the act that brings on extreme secondhand embarrassment.

Are you the cringing observer or the shameless selfie photographer?

As someone who falls into the cringing category, I decided it’s time to do my research. 93 million selfies are posted every day around the world.  So, why do so many people take selfies? What is the science of the selfie? With so many people participating in this global phenomenon, it’s time we explore how selfies impact our psychology.

Selfie Love

Studies show that those who regularly snap photos of themselves feel more attractive and well-liked than individuals who do not take selfies. Congrats, selfie-takers! Your habit, one which some consider vain, might actually be contributing to healthy self-esteem. Some analysts also consider selfie-taking an act of self-exploration, which is also a healthy activity to regularly practice.

But are the selfies the cause of the confidence, or a result of it? Perhaps selfie-takers already feel more attractive and popular than the non-selfie-takers. This could be why they are more comfortable posting in the first place. For people who already see themselves in a favorable light, posting selfies, and receiving likes and compliments reinforces their positive self-image. This creates a positive cycle that contributes to healthy self-thought.

Selfie Shame

While people have a positive attitude toward their own selfies, studies show people view other people’s selfies negatively. We are likely to consider our own selfies to be authentic or ironic. On the other hand, we consider 90% of other people’s’ selfies to be superficial and narcissistic. Yikes, double standard.

This hypocrisy may contribute to what has come to be known as the “hate-follow.” This term describes a common phenomenon of following someone whose online presence annoys you. As much as you detest their content, you can’t seem to unfollow them. There’s something addictive about hating their posts.

This hate-following contributes to a culture of shaming people online. Participating in this ridicule and judgment can perpetuate negativity and hurts everyone involved.

Selfies and Sex

How do selfies differ between men and women?

This is when things get interesting. According to Psychology Today, selfies are just another social activity upholding damaging gender roles and heteronormativity. And it all boils down to angles.

We’ve all seen how a lot of women hold their phones up when they take selfies. Research shows that women who take selfies from a higher angle appear younger and submissive, and so more attractive. In contrast, men who take selfies from below appear taller, more dominant, and so more “manly.”

Instagram and Snapchat face filters have a similar effect. The filters which turn subjects into animals and objects make faces thinner, eyes larger, and skin appear smoother. All of these alterations contribute to an obsession with youthful beauty and passiveness.

selfie confidence

Photo Via Instagram / @kyliejenner

What Do Your Selfies Mean to You?

Selfies are still a relatively new trend. Scientists are still studying and working to understand the psychology behind them. To some, a selfie may be an act of self-love and self-discovery. But for others, selfies may represent vanity and jealousy. The trick is to discover how selfies honestly make you feel. From there, you can choose whether to post or not post, follow or unfollow.

It’s safe to say this trend isn’t going anywhere. So make sure you make it a positive one.

Edited by Chloe Lew
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