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Selfie Art
by Kenneth Lyen
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Wikipedia defines a selfie as a “a self-portrait photograph, typically taken with a digital camera or smartphone, which may be held in the hand or supported by a selfie stick. Selfies are often shared on social media, via social networking services such as FacebookTwitterSnapchat, and Instagram.”

 

This form of self-portrait has become very popular, and there are several reasons. The commonest incentive is narcissism or egotistical self-admiration. This is particularly so when the image consists only of the photographer. Other reasons for taking selfies is attention seeking behaviours, loneliness, obsession with one’s own beauty, and low self-esteem.

 

However there is one psychological study suggesting that taking selfies does not mean one is narcissistic. Yes, there may be a narcissistic element, but this is not the whole story. The authors suggest that taking selfies is a new cultural phenomenon and might be a way of self-exploration.

 

The posting here takes a very different slant. It assembles a collection famous old paintings where the main character is taking a selfie. This anachronistic gesture is poking fun at the phenomenon!

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REFERENCES

 

Selfie-engagement on social media

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7244909/

 

Taking selfies doesn’t mean you’re a narcissist, study suggests

https://www.psypost.org/2020/07/taking-selfies-doesnt-mean-youre-a-narcissist-study-suggests-57238

 

Kenneth Lyen 25 April 2021

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