Oxford Dictionaries' official definition of "selfie" is: "A photograph that one has taken of oneself, typically one taken with a smartphone or webcam and uploaded to a social media website." The word "selfie" is believed to have first appeared in Australia in 2002, when it was used in an online forum. Over the next decade, the term gained popularity, coinciding with the rise of social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. By 2013, selfie was crowned Oxford Dictionaries' Word of the Year, reflecting its massive influence on modern culture. Today, selfies are a common form of self-expression, with various creative twists, including group and mirror selfies.
A study reveals that before posting a selfie online, women, on average, take six attempts to get a photo they’re happy with, while men take around four. Despite this, over 40% of women report feeling depressed after viewing their photos on social media, highlighting the pressure and expectations tied to online self-image. Interestingly, both men and women tend to avoid retouching photos of their children before sharing them online, suggesting that while they may carefully curate their own images, they take a more natural approach when it comes to photos of their loved ones. This contrast reflects the different standards placed on personal versus family images in the digital age.
Selfie: Think Twice, Post Once.
Studies also show that excessive photo sharing, particularly selfies, and sharing photos of specific types, can lead to a decrease in how others perceive you. The more frequently someone shares images of themselves, regardless of the audience, the less intimacy and connection they tend to experience with others. This phenomenon suggests that constant self-presentation can create a sense of distance, rather than fostering closeness. Over time, excessive sharing might lead to others viewing the individual as more self-centered or less genuine, ultimately weakening social bonds. This highlights the fine line between self-expression and overexposure in the digital world.
One solution is to use photo messaging applications instead of posting pictures on social media. By doing this, you can share photos with a select group of people who are very close to you, rather than broadcasting them to a wide audience. This approach allows for more meaningful interactions, as the targeted audience is likely to perceive the image more positively. Sharing photos with a smaller, more intimate circle can foster a sense of connection and authenticity, as it reduces the pressure of public approval and encourages genuine engagement. This way, the focus shifts from validation to personal relationships.
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