From the time we are young, our brains are trained to build self-confidence as we accept the beauty in our flaws, our individuality, and we boost our self-worth. However, in last few years, Whitney Houston’s signature message, “The Greatest Love of All”, seems to have been lost in translation. Recent news has highlighted many media-driven stories and topics, often linking selfies to mental disorders and the effects their behavior causes.
Expert psychologists share their studies with the public and the results are concerning. Narcissism, OCD, superficial obsessions, unrealistic expectations, entitlements, insecurities, all inner traits that can be magnified through selfies and lead to destructive behavior.
“Too many people today are interested in making a statement about themselves on the Internet and creating an influential presence. Selfies, when overused, convey a lack of depth and a shallow personality. If someone is obsessed with taking selfies, it is most likely because the individual is selfish and narcissistic,” said the clinical psychologist, Bart Rossi.
When people share their photos on every social media platform available, they reveal more about themselves than they realize. When a lady expresses herself in a semi-naked selfie with obscure music lyrics underneath, what is she really saying about herself? It’s a clear attempt at grabbing a guarantee for looks and attention, absolutely no substance. For some, this is just a clear confirmation of a deeper-rooted problem than he is willing to disclose. Men posing in front of the bathroom mirror claiming to show off their transformational fitness and health results, but in reality they try to feed their own egos as they brag about their accomplishments that appeal to the masses.
Individuals satisfy this kind of behavior and derive happiness based on the number of ‘likes’ they receive. Before taking every detail of an image apart to make sure they reach their maximum potential competing with professional “Photoshop” techniques, they base their entire motivation on outsourced approval and praise.
The proof is evident because we are a nation obsessed with ourselves in every essence of the word. The trend has become so prominent in our society that the term has been added Cannon-Webster dictionary. It also provides inspiration for a hit song, parodying our own self-obsession. However, we do not let that stop our need to flood the internet with pictures of ourselves.
Physical ideals only brand themselves in an unrealistically stronger capacity, as selfies lead to increasing cases of body dysmorphic disorder amongst young men and women. Filters, lighting, and angles produce flawless feature results that are neither an accurate depiction of reality, nor can they be recreated.
Despite the various negative responses, Dr. Rossi, trying to justify the various aspects of the selfie. She says, “Selfies can be used for fun and really showcase some of the good qualities of individuals exploring life, happiness, and adventure.”
Two different perceptions that can lead to overconfidence (arrogance) and entitlement, or a false sense of self-consciousness accompanied by bigger problems that will affect many areas of a person’s life. In both directions, selfies are classified as being responsible for more negatives than positives, referring back to the sociological behavioral context of “I vs. Me vs. Self,” and what’s real.
The link between selfies and mental sickness has been running rampant in the media in recent months. However, people do not appear to be affected by negative attachments and continue to post their overly indulgent selfies as often as the activator that fills in the blanks, double-tap the photo.
Selfie addiction is a worry for psychological health care professionals who fear we are raising a generation of socially dependent individuals who seek attention, without any skills of communication, compassion, understanding, or identity.
Dr. Bart Rossi asked, “Where is the sensitivity, creativity, concern and real help for others?”
About Dr. Bart Rossi Pd. D.
Rossi is a NJ Licensed Psychologist and author The Lifestyle of Recent America: Post September 11, 2001, A Psychologist’s Perspective – who began his career providing psychological care to a wide range of clients – through private practice, medical centers and other organizations, throughout the state. Also, a Diplomat in Clinical Psychology, a certification that’s highly exclusive amongst its peers and colleagues, strengthens its credibility in clinical and mental health.
Serves as co-Director of the Independent Children’s Study Team, Inc. in Jersey City, and also as Director of Somerset County Adolescent Counseling Center. Founder of Rossi Psychological Group, PA, where — as CEO — he oversees a group of more than 50 licensed psychologists and medical professionals with expertise in specialised clinical areas. Rossi Psychological Group later became an affiliate of Vericare, the biggest behavioral health company in the US
For many years he has worked with the New Jersey Parole Board Psychological Evaluation of Inmates, New Jersey Department of Corrections [for the specialized training of 6,000+ Corrections Officers]Hudson County Employee Assistance Program, and has been a keynote speaker for the American Psychological Association’s Annual Practice Directorate Meeting [with representatives from all 50 states.]
Article By: Jessica Schiripa
