Nowadays, the phenomenon of selfies has become an increasingly common practice in society. People constantly share self-portraits on social media, in an attempt to show their image, emotions and experiences through digital platforms. However, behind this seemingly harmless trend, there are possible signs of mental disorders that deserve to be carefully analyzed by mental health professionals.
The origin of selfies: a form of expression or a symptom of mental disorder?
Selfies, or self-portraits taken with mobile devices, have become popular thanks to the proliferation of social networks such as Instagram, Facebook or Snapchat. People, in their desire to capture significant moments in their lives, constantly seek the approval and validation of others through the publication of these images. However, behind this apparently harmless practice, there is a possible psychological background that deserves to be explored.
Narcissism and selfies: a worrying relationship
Narcissism is a disorder of personality characterized by excessive self-love, a need to be admired by others, and a lack of empathy toward the feelings of others. In this sense, selfies can be used as a tool to feed the ego and self-esteem of people with narcissistic tendencies.
Constant publications of selfies on social networks can indicate an excessive desire for attention and validation external, as well as an excessive concern for image and physical appearance. People with narcissistic traits often use selfies as a way to build an idealized image of themselves, constantly seeking the approval and admiration of others.
In addition, compulsive use of selfies can lead to a obsession with one's own image, generating anxiety, insecurity and a constant need to obtain likes and positive comments on social networks. This dependence on external validation through selfies may indicate the presence of a narcissistic personality disorder that requires psychological intervention.
Selfies and self-esteem: a fragile relationship
While selfies can be a form of expression and creativity for some people, for others they can become a source of anxiety, insecurity, and low self-esteem. The constant comparison with the beauty standards imposed by society and the search for external approval through selfies can negatively impact self-perception.
People who use selfies as a tool to validate their self-esteem they can fall into a spiral of insecurities and low levels of self-confidence. The need to obtain likes and positive comments on social networks can become an obsession that affects the mental and emotional health of the person, leading them to constantly question their worth and beauty.
In addition, overexposure on networks Social interactions through selfies can increase people's vulnerability to criticism and external judgments, generating high levels of social anxiety and constant concern about public image. In extreme cases, this dependence on external validation through selfies can lead to anxiety disorders, depression or eating disorders.
The relationship between selfies and mental disorders
While not everyone who posts selfies on social media necessarily has a mental disorder, it is important to be alert to certain signs that could indicate the presence of an underlying problem. Selfies can serve as a window into people's psyche, revealing possible emotional conflicts, insecurities or mental disorders that require professional attention.
Selfies and depression: a worrying connection
Depression is a mental disorder that affects millions of people around the world. Symptoms of depression include deep sadness, loss of interest in activities that were previously pleasurable, lack of energy, and low self-esteem. In this sense, selfies can reflect the emotional state of a depressed person.
People who experience depression can resort to selfies as a way to escape reality, masking their true emotional state behind a forced smile or filters that hide their sadness. Constantly posting selfies on social media may be an attempt to seek validation and emotional support from others, in an effort to mitigate the loneliness and isolation of depression.
On the other hand, The compulsive use of selfies as a way to distract oneself from negative thoughts and sadness may indicate a lack of adequate coping with depression, as well as a difficulty expressing emotions directly. In extreme cases, this reliance on selfies as a coping mechanism can perpetuate depression and make it difficult for a person to recover.
Selfies and eating disorders: a dangerous relationship
Eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia, are serious mental conditions that affect people's relationship with food, body weight, and body image. In this context, selfies can be used as a tool to obsessively monitor and control physical appearance and weight.
People with eating disorders may turn to selfies as a way to constantly compare their body with the unrealistic beauty standards imposed by society and social networks. The search for external approval through likes and comments on selfies can reinforce the distorted perception of one's own body image, fueling dissatisfaction and constant self-criticism.
In addition, the overexposure of retouched images and edited on social networks can fuel the obsession with achieving physical perfection, generating high levels of anxiety and emotional discomfort in people with eating disorders. Reliance on external validation through selfies can aggravate the symptoms of eating disorders and hinder the person's recovery process.
Recommendations for healthy use of selfies
While selfies can be a tool for creative expression and fun, it is important to use them responsibly and consciously to avoid potential mental health risks. Below are some recommendations for healthy use of selfies:
1. Know your motivations:
Before posting a selfie on social media, reflect on your motivations behind the image. Are you looking for external validation? Do you feel pressured by beauty standards? Knowing your motivations will help you make more conscious and healthy decisions.
2. Limit time on social media:
Social media can be a source of constant comparison and anxiety. Set limits on your time using social media and prioritize direct contact with real people in your life.
3. Value your self-esteem without depending on likes and comments:
Remember that your worth is not determined by the number of likes or comments you receive on your selfies. Work on strengthening your self-esteem from within, based on your qualities, achievements and personal values.
4. Seek professional help if necessary:
If you feel that your relationship with selfies is affecting your mental and emotional health, do not hesitate to seek professional help. A psychologist or therapist can help you explore the underlying causes of your reliance on selfies and develop healthy coping strategies.
Conclusion
In short, selfies can be a form of expression and creativity for some people, but they can also indicate the presence of possible mental disorders such as narcissism, depression or eating disorders. It is important to be alert to the telltale signs of selfie misuse and seek professional help if necessary to address underlying issues.