Don’t Ever Apologize For Taking Selfies
When a recent article went viral claiming that taking selfies excessively is now classified as a new mental disorder, I reacted immediately, feeling personally attacked.
Of course later, we all found out the article is a hoax. But it begs the question—Why did people want to believe taking selfies is so bad, an actual disorder? And why did I feel so offended by that suggestion?
Well, what’s in a selfie? Me, of course.
And the very idea of the selfie, at its core, is the person. Selfies aren’t about the landscapes, waterfalls, or Empire State building in the background; they’re about the person standing front and center in each photo.
Selfies are about taking control of one’s history and moments in the NOW.
With a selfie, I don’t need to ask someone else to take my picture when I’m on the 102nd floor of the Empire State Building. I can take my own picture, my selfie, and just keep it as a personal picture of MY moment standing high in the sky. Or, I can post it instantly on social media and share it with the people I care about. Both decisions are extremely normal and it’s great to have them under my control.
Recording these moments of my life—or sharing them immediately in time with others—is HUMAN and natural. Historically, people have always wanted to record their lives and tried, dating back to the first cave drawings.
Also, what is the NOW all about? It’s finding a way to stay in the present.
Well, selfies are the best thing to ever come along that helps individuals give themselves a present to help remember “the present”! So, don’t ever dare tell me that selfies indicate mental illness! I will hate you and never, ever, invite you to stand in any of my selfies again.