Why Are Selfies So Popular? | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

Why Are Selfies So Popular?

Exploring the reasons why selfies have become the biggest and best way to take pictures

5925
Why Are Selfies So Popular?
Katie Riley

Selfies. They have become the ultimate way to take pictures. “Would you mind taking a picture of us?” has been obliterated, for the most part. It’s become the norm to use the front-facing camera rather than the back. Selfies are fun, easy ways to capture a moment. This generation has become so selfie-obsessed that we have taken to posting selfies daily and even created an app to instantly show off our latest ones. You can turn your head in practically every direction and see a phone up in the air and a silly expression on someone’s face. This has led me to wonder: what is so appealing about selfies? Why have they become our preferred method of being photographed?

On Instagram, nearly 300 million photos are tagged with the hashtag “selfie,” a number that is constantly increasing. People take multiple selfies at a time so they have options as to which one to immediately post and even spend time making sure they look good for the sole purpose of taking selfies.

Why do we prefer this method of picture taking, though? According to psychology lecturer Dr. Terri Apter, it is a definition of self. She states that “[people] like being sort of in control of [their] image and getting attention, being noticed, [and] being part of the culture.” We as a society enjoy being in control of every aspect of our lives, so why not control the picture we appear in by taking them ourselves? Self portraits are how we define ourselves, and rather than allow someone else to do that for us, we take charge.

There is another reason for why selfies are so popular amongst not only the younger generation, but also older generations as well. There is a psychological concept called the “looking-glass self.” Sociologist Charles Cooley determined that people grow from their social interactions with others and form an image of themselves based on how they believe others perceive them. When people post selfies, they tend to monitor the amount of likes and comments they get on each photo. Pictures that attract more attention tend to have human faces in them, so what better than to post than a selfie? It helps to boost self-esteem and self-image, especially in girls and women. In a TODAY/AOL survey of teenage girls, 65% said that seeing these pictures on social media boosts their confidence.

As great as posting selfies may feel, overposting can attract negativity. It can seem as if someone is an attention seeker, selfish, or bragging about themselves. The more you post, the less people will respond, due to the flooding of their feeds with your face.

We take selfies because we want to be loved and accepted, as well as to love and accept who we are. Having confidence in ourselves and our image allows us to proudly and comfortably open up to the world. We join in on selfies so that we can be a part of the moment rather than behind the camera for it. Don't be shy or embarrassed! Take your phone, flip it to the front facing camera, and snap away.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Entertainment

Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

These powerful lyrics remind us how much good is inside each of us and that sometimes we are too blinded by our imperfections to see the other side of the coin, to see all of that good.

125069
Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

The song was sent to me late in the middle of the night. I was still awake enough to plug in my headphones and listen to it immediately. I always did this when my best friend sent me songs, never wasting a moment. She had sent a message with this one too, telling me it reminded her so much of both of us and what we have each been through in the past couple of months.

Keep Reading...Show less
Zodiac wheel with signs and symbols surrounding a central sun against a starry sky.

What's your sign? It's one of the first questions some of us are asked when approached by someone in a bar, at a party or even when having lunch with some of our friends. Astrology, for centuries, has been one of the largest phenomenons out there. There's a reason why many magazines and newspapers have a horoscope page, and there's also a reason why almost every bookstore or library has a section dedicated completely to astrology. Many of us could just be curious about why some of us act differently than others and whom we will get along with best, and others may just want to see if their sign does, in fact, match their personality.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

20 Song Lyrics To Put A Spring Into Your Instagram Captions

"On an island in the sun, We'll be playing and having fun"

27742
Person in front of neon musical instruments; glowing red and white lights.
Photo by Spencer Imbrock on Unsplash

Whenever I post a picture to Instagram, it takes me so long to come up with a caption. I want to be funny, clever, cute and direct all at the same time. It can be frustrating! So I just look for some online. I really like to find a song lyric that goes with my picture, I just feel like it gives the picture a certain vibe.

Here's a list of song lyrics that can go with any picture you want to post!

Keep Reading...Show less
Chalk drawing of scales weighing "good" and "bad" on a blackboard.
WP content

Being a good person does not depend on your religion or status in life, your race or skin color, political views or culture. It depends on how good you treat others.

We are all born to do something great. Whether that be to grow up and become a doctor and save the lives of thousands of people, run a marathon, win the Noble Peace Prize, or be the greatest mother or father for your own future children one day. Regardless, we are all born with a purpose. But in between birth and death lies a path that life paves for us; a path that we must fill with something that gives our lives meaning.

Keep Reading...Show less
Health and Wellness

10 Hygiene Tips For All College Athletes

College athletes, it's time we talk about sports hygiene.

25851
Woman doing pull-ups on bars with sun shining behind her.

I got a request to talk about college athletes hygiene so here it is.

College athletes, I get it, you are busy! From class, to morning workouts, to study table, to practice, and more. But that does not excuse the fact that your hygiene comes first! Here are some tips when it comes to taking care of your self.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments