‘The 'Selfie' Syndrome’
When it comes to Social Media, there is a gamut of
‘disorders’ one could diagnose many online offenders with. Since we are so
quick to coin new terms when it comes to ‘disorders’ (real or fictional) here
are a few I have encountered:
1) Internet ‘thugs’ with their “Online Courage Disorder”. This disorder seems to magically delude individuals sitting
behind computer screens into thinking they have grown a pair of balls. Saying
things they could never do if the person were standing in their face. This by
far is one of more severe disorders in the DSM-IV-OF (Diagnostic and Statistical
Manual of Mental Disorders of Online Fuckery).
2) Or how about the “Foodpornophiles”
who can’t seem to eat so much as a potato chip without posting it for the
world to see. We get it, you like food. That’s cool, but it also comes across
as you being basic and showing us all that you have never been anywhere nice
until now (since we’re pointing out online disorders).
3) Maybe we should seek to help the masses (you know who you
are) suffering from the epidemic of chronic “Glued to my Phone Syndrome”. These poor drones can’t even enjoy a
party or evening out with their friends (as they are compelled to sit in
silence next to one another tweeting about how much “fun” they are all having…. I
can’t tell).
The above mentioned, along with other soon-to-be invented online
‘disorders’, can be attributed to the over usage of social media. So with all
the online ‘disorders’ out there, I don’t quite understand why the attack on
‘selfies’.
Some would say that those who constantly post ‘selfies’ do
it for attention (or likes). That they are insecure and looking for the
approval of others while deep down inside having little self-esteem and self worth.
Well I say HOGWASH!
There will ALWAYS be people who do things for that kind of
attention (i.e. the naked bathroom thirst trap ‘selfie’), but those are also
the same people who do that kind of stuff in REAL life as well. To say that the
‘selfie’ is a direct reflection of that need for attention is complete and
utter foolishness. Those people already had underlying issues with their esteem
and self worth before they even downloaded that Instagram app!
Do I like ‘Selfies’? Hell yeah! How else am I to capture my
awesomeness and share it with the world through the perfect filter *insert
pseudo-sarcastic tone*. But seriously, when I post a ‘selfie’ I’m expressing
how I may be feeling in that moment. It’s not my fault I’m amazing and adorable
(or as my friend Nikki would say ‘everybody loves me, and nobodies hate me’).
I wonder if certain selfie-haters take into consideration
that some people get lots of likes because people actually know them in real
life, they are good friends, and help or inspire others to live better lives.
Personally, I think that there are more insecure and unhappy
selfie-hating people in the world than those who are happy. I believe these
Miserable Minions have simply banded together under the “Attack the Selfie
Crew” Act. When it comes to people saying that ‘selfies’ are bad, I will always
argue the opposite. I would question why it is viewed as a form of ‘self hate’
opposed to ‘self love’. I would challenge the selfie-hater to identify why
someone else taking pictures of themselves would make them so vehemently uncomfortable
(I mean c’mon, just keep scrolling or unfollow).
The Fact is, in this digital age, people prefer pictures. Pictures
say more than words. They are expressive and mean different things to those to
post as well as view them. Let’s consider that before we decide to give someone
a complex based off of our own experiences and interpretations. You just might
be wrong.
