Why Do People Take Selfies? The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

This article explores the psychology behind selfies, from boosting confidence and self-expression to the darker sides of narcissism and social media pressures.

In the age of smartphones and social media, taking selfies has become a global phenomenon. But why do people take selfies, and what motivates this behaviour? While selfies may seem a modern trend, people have been capturing self-portraits long before smartphones or the Internet. In this article, I’ll explore the reasons behind selfie-taking, focusing on “the good”, “the bad”, and “the ugly” sides of this popular activity.

Why Do People Take Selfies? The Good, the Bad and the Ugly
Figure 1

What Is a Selfie and Why Do People Take Them?

A selfie is a self-portrait photograph typically taken with a smartphone or digital camera (see Figure 1), often by holding the device at arm’s length or using a selfie stick. While selfies can include other people, the key feature is that the photographer is also in the picture. The term “selfie” gained popularity in the early 2010s and has become a staple of social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Snapchat.

But why do people take selfies? For many, selfies are a form of self-expression, allowing them to preserve moments and share them instantly with others. Selfies have become a modern way to document life, express individuality, and connect with others in the digital age.

Who Took the First Selfie and Why?

The first known photographic self-portrait, which can be considered the earliest selfie, was taken by Robert Cornelius in 1839. Cornelius, a pioneer in photography, set up his camera in his family’s shop in Philadelphia and captured his image, marking the beginning of our fascination with self-portraits.

Notable photographers like Vivian Maier also captured self-portraits, reflecting this long-standing interest in self-representation. Maier’s self-portraits, taken over decades, give valuable insight into the motivation behind capturing one’s image long before the ability to share them online.

However, the selfie phenomenon took off in the digital age (see Figure 2 for an example of an early selfie). In 1995, Casio introduced the first digital camera with a swivel lens, making it easier for people to take photos of themselves. This innovation laid the groundwork for today’s selfie culture, where millions share their self-portraits online every day.

Who Took the First Selfie and Why?
Figure 2

Selfie vs. Self-Portrait. What’s the Difference?

While taking a self-portrait isn’t new, selfies and traditional self-portraits differ in several key ways. Selfies are often spontaneous, disposable, and shared immediately on social media. Did you know that, on average, people take between two and five selfies before getting the perfect shot? In contrast, self-portraits in art are usually more carefully composed and intended to last.

Another difference lies in the intent behind selfie-taking. People often take selfies for fun or to document a moment, while artists create self-portraits to capture a deep sense of identity or emotion. This distinction highlights why people take selfies—often for instant gratification or self-expression.

Types of Selfie-Takers and Why People Take Selfies for Different Reasons

Researchers have identified three main types of selfie-takers, each with different motivations:

  1. Communicators: These individuals take selfies to connect with others and spark conversations. Their selfies often promote social causes, raise awareness, or express beliefs.
  2. Autobiographers: For this group, selfies serve as a visual diary, capturing essential moments in their lives (see Figure 3). They see selfies as a way to document their unique journey and share their stories.
  3. Self-Publicists: Celebrities, influencers, and public figures often take selfies to build and maintain their particular brand. They use selfies to shape how others perceive them, engaging their audience with curated glimpses into their lives.

Understanding these different motivations for selfie-taking helps explain why people take selfies and how they have evolved into a tool for communication, documentation, and self-promotion.

Types of Selfie-Takers and Why People Take Selfies for Different Reasons
Figure 3

Why People Take Selfies: Personality Traits Behind Selfie-Taking

Additionally, several key personality traits also influence why people take selfies:

  1. Seeking Self-Approval: Many take selfies to validate their worth, showcasing achievements or desirable personality traits. This quest for self-approval often leads to more frequent selfie-taking among individuals with low self-esteem or higher narcissism. The need for validation also contributes to more frequent checking for ‘likes’!
  2. Embracing Belonging: Selfies help people fit into social norms, especially in the digital age. Those more open to experiences may take selfies to feel more accepted in their social circles, aligning with trends and ideals. Through selfies, they cultivate a sense of belonging with their online communities.
  3. Documenting Memories: Selfies often serve as visual records of important moments. By capturing them in digital images, we create lasting reminders of the past, preserving memories for future reflection. Extroverted and agreeable individuals are prone to take selfies to capture and remember significant life events. This desire to document life is another reason why people take selfies regularly.

These personality-driven motivations further highlight why people take selfies and the different emotional needs that selfies can fulfil.

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly of Selfie Culture

The Good: People Take Selfies to Enhance Life Experiences

Research shows that taking photos, including selfies, can enhance the enjoyment of everyday experiences (see Figure 4). For instance, taking selfies at a concert or special event can help individuals feel more engaged with the moment, fostering a deeper emotional connection. This behaviour is one of the positive aspects of why people take selfies—it can help them savour life’s moments.

People Take Selfies to Enhance Life Experiences
Figure 4

The Bad: People Take Selfies to Excess and the Risks of Selfitis

On the other hand, excessive selfie-taking can lead to compulsive behaviour, known as selfie addiction or selfitis. Although not officially recognised as a medical condition, selfitis refers to an obsession with taking and sharing selfies. This behaviour is often linked to low self-esteem or narcissism and can interfere with daily life. Furthermore, taking and sharing selfies can amplify narcissistic tendencies over time. Understanding the risks of selfie addiction is crucial in exploring the negative side of why people take selfies.

The Ugly: People Take Selfies That Distort Reality

Selfies can also distort how people see themselves. For example, taking a selfie from a close distance can exaggerate facial features, like making one’s nose look longer. This effect, called the Selfie Effect, can lead to distorted self-perception. Comparing oneself to filtered and edited selfies can also be troublesome, as digitally altered images blur the line between reality and illusion. In extreme cases, individuals may develop body image issues, such as Snapchat dysmorphia, where they seek cosmetic procedures to resemble their filtered selfies. This irrational behaviour is a growing concern in today’s selfie-driven culture and highlights one of the ugly truths about why people take selfies.

The Impact of Selfie-Taking on Self-Perception

One of the most controversial aspects of selfie culture is its impact on self-perception. By curating and sharing selfies, individuals control how others see them (see Figure 5), which can affect their self-worth and social identity. This process, known as social comparison, can distort memory and identity, leading to a mismatch between how people present themselves online and how they truly feel in real life.

Why Do People Take Selfies? The Good, the Bad and the Ugly
Figure 5

While selfies can boost confidence and help people express themselves, excessive selfie-taking can lead to self-esteem issues and distorted perceptions of ourselves. Why? Because selfies often present an idealised version of oneself, carefully crafted to meet others’ expectations. As a result, we’re more likely to remember the past in a way that reflects how we want others to perceive us rather than our true selves. This duality is why it’s essential to reflect on why people take selfies and how it impacts the individual and society.

Key Points – Why Do People Take Selfies

Main reasons people take selfies:

  1. To project an idealised image. Sharing selfies often involves carefully planned poses and expressions to create a flawless representation. While this can boost confidence, it also risks distorting one’s true identity.
  2. To conform to social expectations. People may take selfies to meet societal standards and present themselves favourably. However, this can lead to prioritising external validation over genuine self-acceptance.
  3. To preserve positive memories. Selfies can help individuals recall past events favourably, but this focus on idealised moments may overshadow authentic experiences, creating unrealistic memories.
  4. To enhance well-being. Some self-enhancement through selfies can promote well-being by helping individuals move beyond negative experiences. Yet, excessive distortion can lead to unrealistic self-perceptions, hindering personal growth.
  5. To express themselves and connect with others. In the digital age, selfies have become a prevalent form of self-expression and communication. However, this trend also raises concerns about privacy, superficiality, and the impact of curated online personas on genuine social interactions.

Conclusion

Why do people take selfies? The answer is complex and multifaceted. From enhancing life experiences and connecting with others to fueling narcissism and distorting reality, selfie culture reflects both the positive and negative aspects of human behaviour. By understanding the motivations behind selfie-taking, we can better navigate the digital landscape and use selfies as a tool for self-expression and connection without falling into unhealthy habits.

Whether for fun, validation, or self-expression, selfies have become a powerful form of communication in the digital age. But it’s essential to stay mindful of the potential downsides and recognise when our selfie habits might do more harm than good.

Why Do People Take Selfies – Photos

Here are some images I have captured of individuals taking selfies, visually illustrating the moments in which people find joy in capturing self-portraits.

Remember to check out my other psychology articles!

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