NEGATIVE EFFECTS OF SELFIE CULTURE

NEGATIVE EFFECTS OF SELFIE CULTURE

A Research Paper Presented to

The English Resource Center

School of Multimedia Arts

Asia Pacific College

Magallanes, Makati

In Partial Fulfilment

of the Requirements for the course

ERESWRIT - Research Writing

Bernard Christopher T. Macababat

August 2014

Chapter 1
INTRODUCTION

A. Background of Study

The introduction of the digital camera made sharing memories as easy as taking it. Apart from being easy to share memories, it's also easy to delete and recreate them. Digital cameras made it so that you have overall control over what memories you want to keep and want to destroy forever.

According to Claire Jeffreys' article "How Digital Photography Has Changed The World!" using a camera phone, people can take photos anywhere and can be shared with hundreds of people across the world within seconds.

Jeffreys says, "Of course, if you aren't happy with the picture you've taken, you can take another one, and another one, and another…the number of snaps is only limited by your camera or phone battery!" (http://www.streetarticles.com/photography/how-digital-photography-has-changed-the-world)

People love sharing photos be it about things they encounter or about their selves. As time passes, we are more and more concerned with the aesthetics we produce. People nowadays cannot live by a day without sharing photos of whatever they want as if everyone cares what they do, what they look like right now or what they are eating.

Karen Rosenberg tells us on her article "Everyone’s Lives, in Pictures" that taking pictures alone is not enough to confirm reality and enhance experience, that only sharing can give us that validation.

Rosenberg says, "In other words, we are now aesthetic producers — turning our photographs into content for our profiles and blogs and feeds — as well as consumers." (http://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/22/sunday-review/everyones-lives-in-pictures-from-instagram.html)

Taking photos of oneself is quickly becoming a trend. They call it "Selfie." Like any other form of popular culture. Selfies seem to be most prominent with the young audience. Without them, selfies would not be as congested as it is like today.

Elise Moreau's article "What is a Selfie?" talks about what selfies are, who takes them and why do people take them.

Moreau says, "Since social media is the driving force of most selfie activity, younger kids interested in staying connected to their friends, boyfriends, girlfriends, crushes or colleagues are more active in sharing selfies on a regular basis." (http://webtrends.about.com/od/Mobile-Web-Beginner/a/What-Is-A-Selfie.htm)

Selfies is the most used form of sharing. It spawned a following that religiously do it and has since then become a staple with netizens and casual internet users because of ease of use.

Elizabeth Day’s article “How selfies became a global phenomenon” talks about how selfies are affecting how people do about their lives. The article also discusses the global impact it has and how it change the face of the internet.

Day says, “The fact that we no longer had to traipse to our local chemist to develop a roll of holiday snaps encouraged us to experiment – after all, on a digital camera, the image could be easily deleted if we didn't like the results. A selfie could be done with the timer button or simply by holding the camera at arm's length, if you didn't mind the looming tunnel of flesh dog-earing one corner of the image.” (http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2013/jul/14/how-selfies-became-a-global-phenomenon)

Selfie culture was a cultural phenomenon that significantly shaped the face of the internet. Though initially harmless, it may have introduced certain negative effects. There have been numerous accounts all throughout the internet that lead to such negative effects.

Being aware of these negative effects will change the reader’s overall approach to selfie culture and may help prevent them with the problems or at least make them moderate what they do.

The purpose of this paper is to cite and discuss the psychological effects introduced by selfie culture.

B. Statement of the Problem

This study aims to answer this question:

1.      What are the psychological effects introduced by selfie culture?

C. Significance of Study

Psychology students. Since the aim of the researcher is to find out the                               psychological effects behind selfie culture, psychology students can benefit from this by using this research paper as a basis for study regarding psychology thru digital medium.

Teenagers. This research paper would be able to educate teenagers on the various            negative effects of selfie culture leading them to prevent experiencing the same fallout.

Parents. This research paper will benefit parents by making them aware of the various negative effects and prevent their children from experiencing them.

Netizens. Nitizens will benefit from this research paper since the main focus of this paper revolves around the internet.

D. Scope and Delimitation

This paper will only focus on the psychological effects of selfie culture, based on real world accounts and scientific researches.

            This study will only be discussing the psychological effects of selfie culture.

E. Materials and Method

The sources used on this research are all gathered from articles on the internet that tackle anything that is related to selfie culture.

The researcher used the data from this research to discuss and explain the psychological effects and how it affects the lives of the person that is currently having this issues.

F. Definition of Terms

1. Narcissism. Psychoanalysis. Erotic gratification derived from admiration of one's own physical or mental attributes, being a normal condition at the infantile level of personality development. (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/narcissism)

2. Netizen. An active participant in the online community of the Internet. (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/netizen)

3. Selfie. A photograph that one takes of oneself with a digital camera or a front-facing smartphone, tablet, or webcam, especially for posting on a social-networking or photo-sharing website. (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/selfie)

4. Sharing. Digital Technology. A combining form with the meaning “the practice of giving specific users access to digital documents or other online content.” (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/sharing)

5. Social Networking Sites. Abbreviated as SNS a social networking site is the phrase used to describe any Web site that enables users to create public profiles within that Web site and form relationships with other users of the same Web site who access their profile. Social networking sites can be used to describe community-based Web sites, online discussions forums, chat rooms and other social spaces online. (http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/S/social_networking_site.html)

Chapter 2

DISCUSSION

What are the psychological effects introduced by selfie culture?

I. Definition and Trend of Selfies

            A selfie is a photo that is taken usually of oneself using a small digital camera or a smartphone with a camera. Selfie’s are usually taken from a low angle simulating a gain of height. Due to its “artistic” nature, selfies come in different types. Five of the most popular are the Duckface, Post Workout Selfie, The Mirror Selfie, Caught Sleeping Selfie and The Bathroom Selfie.

Selfie trend has been on the internet for quite some time now. According to Mark Amsler's article "Where did that word come from? – Selfie," the word selfie dates its roots back in 2002 when it was first used by a 20-something's guy on a drunken party on New Zealand. (http://www.nzherald.co.nz/lifestyle/news/article.cfm?c_id=6&objectid=11182715)

II. Psychological Effects introduced by Selfie Culture.

     A.     Addiction

Too much of anything is bad for you. The popularity of the internet or anything digital for that matter sprung countless cases of addiction.

Fiona Keating has an article entitled “Selfie addict took TWO HUNDRED a day - and tried to kill himself when he couldn't take perfect photo” that talks about a 19 year old boy, Danny Bowman, who spent 10 hours taking selfies. David had snapped 200 photos of himself during the 10 hours he tried. It lead him to drop out school, not leaving his house for six months and went aggressive to his parents when they tried to stop him.

David says that he wanted to take the perfect selfie and when he realised that he couldn’t do it, he wanted to die. Dr. David Veal, the psychologist that treated David says that Danny’s case was particularly extreme.

Technology has a reputation of involving itself to the user. Video games, chat, online dating and now selfies, these things were made so that people will be entertained. Entertainment is a very popular way of forgetting the real life. It can be both good and bad. Good because it can help you cope with your problems by making you feel happy. Bad because it can lead you to addiction. Selfies are a way to entertain a person. A way to make anyone feel good about themselves. Problem is, some people tend to get overbored leading them to addiction.

Keating says, “But Danny is not some bizarre one-off case in a world where smartphone and social media obsession is spiralling upwards. The top psychiatrist at the clinic where Danny was treated revealed ­addiction to taking selfies is becoming so widespread it is now is a recognised mental illness.” (http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/real-life-stories/selfie-addict-took-two-hundred-3273819)

Cassey Ferrand's article "Signs of suffering from 'selfie' addiction" talks about what to look for to determine that you have selfie addiction. Cassey talks to a selfie addict named Ayana. Ayana Frank, a 40-year-old mother of three, posts 1,300 instagram photos, 230 of which are selfies or selfies with her friends and family. Frank says her friends have coined her queen of selfies in reaction to her plethora of posts on instagram.

In response to Ayana Frank's situation, Ferrand also talked to Kelley Ott, a counselor at the HOPE Center. Ott said that selfies may be an outward expression of a person's existing self-esteem issues or feelings that they are not good enough. Ott followed up by saying young people who post selfies are seeking attention, positive feedback and social validation.

What some people don't realize is the more they try to seek attention, the more it will hurt them psychology. Most of the people who cry for attention end up taking all their time in doing things that get them noticed. In turn, they get addicted and completely ruin their way of living. 

Ferrand says, "Though it is fun and trendy, some psychologists say there is a dark side to selfie-taking and it could be a cry for attention or even help." (http://www.wdsu.com/news/local-news/new-orleans/signs-of-suffering-from-selfie-addiction/25941110)

Another selfie addict is Kurt Coleman. In Kerry McQueeney's article "Is this selfie-addict the world’s vainest teenager?", she talks about who is Kurt Coleman and how is he a selfie addict. 

Kerry says that Kurt describes himself as ‘the Australian Paris Hilton.’ Kerry goes on and talks about Kurt being hot contender for the world’s vainest teenager. Kurt's twitter are full of endless boasts together with his vast collection of slutty selfies had earned him the title 'the vainest teen on Instagram.' Being a household name in Australia for being the vainest gained him haters which constantly bash him with insults. Though being hated, Kurt seems to still stand saying, that the only reason why people hate him is because he's perfect. 

Addiction may not always manifest onto you internally. Addiction may also lead you to affect people around you. Addicts can get caught up in the moment and think what they see is good is generally right, clouding your judgement and changing your overall persona.

McQueeney says, "There’s always a chance that Kurt could be a send-up. Some theories claim the persona is an elaborate comedy act. In any case, Kurt is fast becoming a household name in his home country of Australia and has already been interviewed on television networks for being an internet celebrity." (http://metro.co.uk/2014/04/17/is-this-selfie-addict-the-worlds-vainest-teenager-4702463/)

       B.      Narcissism

Selfies are photos taken of oneself, it’s no surprise that narcissistic tendencies would come in to play. People on social networking sites are already showing signs of narcissism. Selfies just proves it.

Joe Humphreys’ article “Is the selfie an act of narcissism?” talks about philosopher Simon Blackburn’s book “Mirror, Mirror: The Uses and Abuses of Self-Love” and how it relates to today’s youth. Simon tells us that self-esteem can cross over to narcissism.

Blackburn also tells us that though technology can interrupt your life, it won’t lead to narcissism. He says that the main reason why people cross over to narcissism is because of how vain they are coupled with the lack of self-confidence.

The internet has given everyone the opportunity to share and post anything they like. Selfie takers frequently post pictures of themselves through social networking sites to either get noticed or to have a sense of belongingness. Though some people tend to get overboard and brag about how wonderful they are. This makes people have high self-esteem that leads to narcissism. Self-love isn’t always a bad thing, it’s just bad if it will affect your way of living, how you see life and how you deal with others around you.

Blackburn says, “The road to narcissism, or a fixated self-love, goes via conceit: if the vain person is too concerned with how he stands in the eyes of others, the conceited person has learned to ignore the others and just thrive on his own good opinion of himself. Narcissism is the fatal extreme of this.” (http://www.irishtimes.com/culture/is-the-selfie-an-act-of-narcissism-1.1854029?page=1)

runsonmagic's article "Have We Reached Peak Narcissism With The “Selfie Stick”? talks about how selfie takers have reached the point of narcissism with the use of the selfie stick. 

A selfie stick, according to the Business Insider are the new tool everyone is using to help take pictures of themselves. The act of people taking pictures of themselves has never been as ubiquitous as it is today—and consequently, everyone's trying to make money off of selfies. Sony is reportedly releasing a phone that's designed for selfies. (http://www.businessinsider.com/selfie-stick-2014-7)

Being a tool is very fitting because of the fact that it helped boost peoples narcissistic tendencies. At this rate, anything that would help people with their vanity will surely come to this point. It's sad that more and more people are beginning to become somewhat narcissism.

runsonmagic says, "The selfie stick represents the beginning of peak narcissism, because is shows that Americans are willing to look absurd in real life and ruin actual experiences to look better in the digital world. The only way Americans could look more absurd is if they put motion capture dots on their face, so they could digitally replace themselves in videos with a more attractive digital stunt double."(http://www.returnofkings.com/39946/have-we-reached-peak-narcissism-with-the-selfie-stick)

CHAPTER 3

SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS, RECOMMENDATIONS

SUMMARY

           This research attempted to cite and discuss the psychological effects of selfie culture.

1. Because of the digital camera anyone can share photos anytime, anywhere.

2. Taking pictures alone is not enough anymore people need to share to achieve validation.

3. Selfies became a popular way to share your life experiences with others.

4. Selfies affects the internet and peoples lives.

CONCLUSION

Based on the finding of this study, the following conclusions are drawn:

1. Selfie addiction can be an extreme case if not treated.

2. Selfie may lead to narcissism but not entirely because of selfie itself but with how the             person reacts to such things.

3. Not all are affected but all are prone to having these psychological effects.

RECOMMENDATIONS

       After drawing conclusions of the study, the researcher hereby makes the following suggestions/recommendations:

 1. Teenagers and young adults should learn to limit their use of social networking sites.

       2. Parents should guide their children by teaching them what the limits are.

       3. Netizens should be aware that not everything they do is the right thing or is good for their own good.

     4. Future researchers should research about how these psychological effects change in time. What’ll it be like for people diagnosed with the psychological effects after a certain time. They should use this study to have basis for a more concrete study in the future relating to this topic.

      REFERENCES     

      A.      Electronic Media

Jeffreys, C. (2012, April 09). How Digital Photography Has Changed The World! Retrieved August 11, 2014 from http://www.streetarticles.com/photography/how-digital-photography-has-changed-the-world

Rosenberg. K. (2012, April 21). Everyone’s Lives, in Pictures. Retrieved August 11, 2014 from http://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/22/sunday-review/everyones-lives-in-pictures-from-instagram.html

Moreau, E. (n.d.). What is a Selfie? Retrieved June 16, 2014 from http://webtrends.about.com/od/Mobile-Web-Beginner/a/What-Is-A-Selfie.htm

Day, E. (2013, July 14). How selfies became a global phenomenon. Retrieved August 11, 2014 from http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2013/jul/14/how-selfies-became-a-global-phenomenon

Amsler, M. (2014, Jan 8). Where did that word come from? – Selfie. Retrieved August 11, 2014 from http://www.nzherald.co.nz/lifestyle/news/article.cfm?c_id=6&objectid=11182715

Keating, F. (2014, March 23). Selfie addict took TWO HUNDRED a day - and tried to kill himself when he couldn't take perfect photo. Retrieved August 11, 2014 from http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/real-life-stories/selfie-addict-took-two-hundred-3273819

Ferrand, C. (2014, May 12). Signs of suffering from 'selfie' addiction. Retrieved August 31, 2014 from http://www.wdsu.com/news/local-news/new-orleans/signs-of-suffering-from-selfie-addiction/25941110

McQueeney, K. ( 2014, April 17). Is this selfie-addict the world’s vainest teenager? Retrieved August 31, 2014 from http://metro.co.uk/2014/04/17/is-this-selfie-addict-the-worlds-vainest-teenager-4702463/

Humphreys, J. (2014, July 4). Is the selfie an act of narcissism? Retrieved June 23, 2014 from http://www.irishtimes.com/culture/is-the-selfie-an-act-of-narcissism-1.1854029?page=1

runsonmagic (2014, July 17). Have We Reached Peak Narcissism With The “Selfie Stick” Retrieved August 31, 2014 from http://www.returnofkings.com/39946/have-we-reached-peak-narcissism-with-the-selfie-stick