You've taken one, I've taken one. Selfies are fun. They capture your smile, your mood and those fleeky eyebrows. The selfie has taken over the era. Kim Khardashian even printed a book of all her selfies ever taken in 2015 called Selfish. So why is the selfie so popular?
Since the invention of front facing cameras, selfies have been existence. Through social media one can even post that selfie and rack up a bunch of likes and comments like "yasss" and "so pretty!" Yet why do we feel the need to post a selfie?
I believe that through posting a picture of one's self and more specifically one's face we are expressing ourselves. I don't agree with the popular opinion that it is a cry for attention. I do believe that it serves as reinforcement for us. We can look in the mirror feel good about ourselves and snap a quick selfie, it's a form of expression.
Some may argue that posting a selfie is narcissistic and self-centered. But then again they could argue that about any picture you post on social media with yourself in it. If I post a picture of just my own face, how is that different from posting a picture of myself with a couple of my friends? That's the thing: there is no difference.
Social Media serves as an outlet of expression. It can be used both positively and negatively. Most recently with the results of the election people took to Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to post their opinions and reactions. This can be looked at as a good thing. These people are using this platform to allow themselves to be heard.
I personally enjoy using social media as an outlet of expression. Being musically inclined, I am able to post videos of my music and share it with my friends and family. It helps me feel heard and let's me connect to other people. As far as the selfie goes, it's no different than me posting my music. They are both parts of myself that I want to share with others.
I have an older brother who strongly disapproves of me posting selfies. As a result he continually tells me that I am vain, and self-centered whenever I post one. When he says things like this I choose to not let it get to me. For I know that I am not posting a selfie for the reasons he thinks I am. I post it because I feel good about myself. I already know that I am beautiful in God's image, so I'm not looking for people to tell me that. Instead, I'm sharing my good vibes, my happy heart, and my confidence. And if there is a girl or boy out there who is posting a picture of themselves so that people will tell them they look pretty, so what?
So, get out there and post that selfie!
