Self-portrait of the digital age

SHARED FROM:
STAR2 THURSDAY 25 JULY 2013
OF ME WITH LOVE BY ELIZABETH DAY
IS THE SELF-PORTRAIT OR SELFIES, A MODERN FORM OF SELF- EXPRESSION OR A SIGN OF SOCIETY'S INCREASING NARCISSISM?


The self-portrait of the digital age.  This trend has even reached outer space where in December, Japanese astronaut Aki Hoshide took a selfie at the International Space Station.  The selfie has revolutionize the way we gather autobiographical information about ourselves and our friends.  It is about continuously rewriting yourself.  It's about presenting yourself in the best way.

To some, the selfie has become the ultimate symbol of the narcissistic age.  Although many people who post pictures of themselves on the internet do so in belief that it will only be seen by their group of friends, but the truth is that the images can be viewed and used by other agencies.

Human beings are social animals and have long been driven by the need for approval and-self-affirmation, even on a small scale.  But remember, the paradox at the heart of the selfie is that it masquerades as a 'candid' shot.  Once a selfie is posted online, it is out there for public delectation; you can never control how other people see you.