Selfie, Facebook, and Social Media Addiction

It seems that today’s youth and even the ‘no longer spring chicken’ can’t stop taking pictures for social media photo. They’re always feel frustrated at their photo’s outcome and they pose for another, and another, and another. What has been entertained as a vanity issue has now turned into a full-blown form of compulsive or addictive behavior.

Selfie, Facebook, and Social Media

The word “selfie” was elected “Word of the Year 2013” by the Oxford English Dictionary. It is defined as “a photograph that one has taken of oneself.” Typically this is done with a smartphone, webcam, iPhone, with the use of camera gadget (tripod), and is uploaded in the website.

Facebook is a social networking service that was launched on February 04, 2004. It became an instant hit to its users because while they can interact through the network or internet, they can post pictures and other media items.

Social media on the other hand is composed of online communities. People in the social media call themselves “netizens.” They interact, exchange ideas, and communicate through websites and networking sites in electronic communications. The online community is thus a virtual (near but not real) community.

General characteristics of addictive behaviors

The person becomes obsessed (constantly thinks of) the object, activity, or substance. He will engage in the addictive behavior or activity even though it is causing him harm. He is compulsively engaged in the activity and he finds it difficult to stop. There is tolerance that while he engages in the addictive substance or activity, he craves to increase its use. He experiences withdrawal symptoms when he stops it. Depression is common in addictive behaviors. Addiction is also related to denial of the problem. People with addictive behaviors often have low self-esteem.

Signs of Selfie Addiction

Selfie addiction is related to obsessive-compulsive and narcissistic behaviors. Selfie addicts exhibit self-centeredness and grandiosity. It is related to lack of self-confidence and because of this, it could generate brain and psychological problems in the future. The addict is in constant search for a perfect selfie picture. His photos are posted in the social network and others’ reactions to his photos affect him deeply.

Warning signs for Facebook and Social Media Addiction

You spend a lot of time thinking about Facebook or social media. You feel an urge to use Facebook or social media more and more. You use Facebook or social media to forget about personal problems. You are troubled when prohibited to use Facebook or social media. Facebook or social media has negatively affected your work/studies. You tried cutting down on the use of social media or Facebook but failed.