Member Article

The Truth about Selfies

The Highs and Lows of Living in a Selfie World!

It’s estimated that there is almost a million selfies taken each day. Just in case you just arrived from another planet the selfie is a picture of yourself which is usually shared on social media sites.

From what started as a few self portraits posted by celebs it has increased rapidly to record levels where even significant world leaders are becoming involved in the selfie hysteria.

On the plus side the selfie has allowed us to take a number of pictures of our self that would have previously been considered vain, boastful or egotistically. Now it’s okay and even expected on certain occasions to be seen being snap happy.

The selfie has allowed someone such as me who hated having my picture taken to now upload my snaps gain likes and messages of approval encouraging me to continue and do more! Definitely an ego boost (well until I start comparing).

Male, female, young, old, black, white and even shy people are now leaving the closets instilling and displaying some new found confidence.

The recent campaign of the selfie #nomakeup donned by models and other celebs showed the world bare, (unlike Kim Kardashian obsessive photo editing) the aim was to show you their face void of makeup, blemishes, warts and all!

Selfies are also seen as increasing and bringing back the fun element into our life, taking pictures in all sorts of places, with all sort of objects and being shameless in asking people we require to also join our selfies.

Readers we are in the pure blissful element of narcissism. And we are unashamed!

So could there actually be a downside to our ego boost, for us or those around us?

Well recently there has been suggestions that our selfie obsessed phase is making some people sick. Sick of having to measure up to some fake ideal and realistic version of beauty. Sick of the superficial trait of beauty only being possed on the outside and within a tight yardstick. Then measured by external approval, likes, comments and retweets!

Having previously volunteered for one my favourite charity’s Changing Faces which helps people with facial disfigurements. I wonder how some of their clients feel knowing that images of them our seen as unappealing and even disturbing to some. Knowing that their whole life is affected negatively from their social, personal, work, housing or even going to the shops having to experience significant levels of abuse all because of their outer appearance.

What of them? Is their worlds to be selfie-less?!

Is the selfie epic perpetuating our European, size 10 ‘fits all’ standard of beauty on others? Or is it just harmless fun? A visual diary of self-exploration!

Are the conscience police out to steal our fun and enjoyment and self-admiration! Or are they merely exposing the darkside - self-loathing, self-doubt, and insecurity.

New studies are starting to suggest a link between selfie culture and cosmetic surgery, eating disorders, psychological issues and conditioning of our self-image to be linked to how many positive responses we receive! No Never.

Well in order to love yourself on the outside you have to start within. As cliché as it sounds. Beauty is skin deep and the beautiful-iest person can become unappealing if their character is ugly. Loving yourself means to accept the good, bad and the ugly.

In 2013 a British study found that 36% of 18-24year olds admit to altering their selfies such as retouching skin tone or eye brightness.

Could it be there is a lack of understanding that perfection is an unrealistic aspiration that you don’t need be stressed with? Definitions of beauty change. Whilst we will all strive to look good on the outside and being healthy and fit, we should also strive to feel happy and satisfied with who we are now.

Maybe unlike celebs who are concerned with controlling the images that are published about them we should be less concerned with the capturing our image of ‘self’ and more concerned with experiencing and enjoying life by our self.

The real and ultimate selfie is the one which allows you look deep within yourself and your outer projections to the world in order to develop and grow.

Naomi

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Orange Moon provides real selfie playshops that empower you to learn and discover about your Wholistic health and life balance through games and play. Contact us if you need a boost! As long as you take some pictures. Say cheese please!

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Naomi Davidson .