Selfies: Narcissism or Just Fun?

The Internet is literally flooded with “selfies” and mostly it is just plain fun taking pictures of yourself, friends or alone at a historic site, beautiful backgrounds such as forests and mountains and definitely including all the family and yourself. However, at what point do “selfies” turn into narcissism?

Narcissism as it is known today outside of psychiatry is reflected in “excessive interest in oneself and one's physical appearance. Other words used to describe include, vanity, self-absorption, conceit, self-centeredness, egotism and egoism."

To keep up with demand, “selfie sticks” were invented to hold a telephone camera at a distance to eliminate foreshortening so common in arm’s length shots. Alone, that innovation helped increase and improve the quality of “selfies” and “selfie” group shots. It was an excellent idea, especially for the person holding the patent. In Las Vegas, the gadgets are in nearly every store along the new strip.

Nice shots of couples that previously couldn’t be taken without asking a stranger to shoot a picture with your camera, disappeared with the “selfie.” When with that special person, early everyone wants to document that special time. It is a memory captured digitally that may last forever in some form. They are especially good at capturing moments never imagined like standing with a celebrity, the Pope or even the President of the United States.

Yet, the personal facial “selfie” seems to say something probably not intended, but gives others who view them on social websites on a regular basis wonder what it is so special about you that you want to share your new head shot on a constant basis. Obviously, there is nothing wrong with loving yourself if for no other reason that it is difficult to love others if one doesn’t love themselves.

For many, the “selfie” is a tool to capture unforgettable moments with friends, family and loved ones. It has also proved a great resource for grabbing pieces of history, landscapes and even shots at Madame Tussauds Wax Museum standing with Muhammed Ali or Abraham Lincoln. It provides a means to do something nearly impossible to do without the use of tripods, timers or remote shutters.

Still, there is the individual “selfie,” which more than likely is little more than sharing changes in style, photographic effect or before and after shots. However, at what point do they become intrusive "I love me" expressions?

So, the question persists, is it narcissism or just fun?