Self expression, ego & selfie discussion

I don't share pictures of myself and I don't get into taking a lot of selfies. I have seen people's pages where they have tons of selfies and and it gives me a sad feeling..I don't get why so much time is spent on it.

I agree with you about wanting to be known and liked for who I am and not being asked for a picture without even knowing me. But... I work a bit differently than some. lol I tend to love the heart and character and when finally shown a picture..I am happy to know the face that goes with it all.

Everyone would prefer to be loved for who they are and not how they look, but when love fails to present itself when the inner self is revealed, one of the quickest mends to the ego is to share the physical self because of how quickly and massively it can garner a response. It may not be actual love, but when you need to be reminded that you’re seen as desirable to the opposite sex...kind of like a payback to those who rejected you when you opened up to them and the “told you so” comes in the form of likes and empty compliments...the selfies are the most effective go-to for an ego mend and boost.

People have become too busy and even too committed to the life they have chosen to be bothered with taking in a lot of the deep-seeded information that can come from another, so for the sake of feeling something...a spark that can make someone living a mundane life feel alive...selfies are actually sought after.

In reality the one snapping away is usually wanting one specific person to openly appreciate the selfie put out there. The smile captured in thirty pictures, the pose, the desire conveyed is geared to that one person who they’re begging to love them, aching for their approval because their unfortunately someone who lacks a healthy form of self-love. And I hate to say it, but I think that’s a majority of the population. But when a person is vulnerable and needing to be reminded that they’re worthy of love they’ll share the winning image that displays their want the most with the masses thinking they have a better shot at getting the one reply they’re seeking, but using any others that come as proof that anyone would be lucky to have them in their life.

The selfie game is so strong these days because I think love...true, stick with you until your dying day spent holding the hand of your one...is harder to find in an easily distracted/hard to maintain attention of/cave under pressure ridden world. And technology has given us countless options to find love, acceptance, and appreciation through a click of an empty grayed out heart just begging to be touched for a little bit of color.

I believe the ego is connected to everything and not just sharing selfies. It can be connected to the rationalizations we manage to weave for not taking any. To the poetry we share waiting for feedback. To any form of art you end up using to express yourself.

Healthiness is just a matter of not doing things in excess.

I just see excessive selfie posting as a cry for attention. Non-excessive selfie posting to me is like giving people a gift of seeing you. I don't think it hurts anyone. As far as people asking for pics, it seems normal to me to want to see who you are talking to mainly so you can put a face to their words and especially if they want to flirt you know (haha) who youre talking to. If anything I'd say posting selfies would be signs of a healthy ego. people not afraid to show themselves just as they are. When its obviously doctored thats when its off-putting to me. It could be insecurity that makes them do it, but it just feels dishonest to me.

1. If I didn’t take pictures of myself there would be no pictures of me.
2. Self-portraiture has been common with female artists for as long as there have been female artists.
3. I like compliments. I don’t get many irl about my appearance. I don’t think it’s a weakness to enjoy compliments 🤷‍♀️

Right on. If being real. Social media has created a narcissism problem. It is documented. People get addicted to the flattery and compliments they get. Funny thing is, many don't get the same flattery in real life which tells me the flattery isn't always genuine. Excessive selfie posting is nothing more than a "look at me", flatter me" cry for attention. On-line is largely a fantasy land. People live out what and who they aren't in RL or look for what they can't get.

Most of us are here because something is missing in our every day lives. Finding people to connect with on a deeper level would be great, but can be hard to do here as in EDL. If posting selfies helps fill that for someone, good for them. Last thing I want is more judgement from people in my EDL .. so I refrain for anonymity.

I really enjoyed your post. It's thought provoking and something I have trouble understanding.
I loved perfectionoftheheart's response. She has captured salient details and articulated them well.
Personally I don't post selfies ever in public and parading myself that way would make me feel very uncomfortable. But I get it for those that do.

Good write... good self analysis and good questions... thank you for them

Having said that and since you asked:

[quote]Not posting this for ridicule, but to hear others personal thoughts on the matter[/quote]

We love to be loved for the qualities that we have, and it doesnt matter if those qualities are our looks, our minds, our hearts, our humor or our experiences..

The important thing is that we see, appreciate and encourage the holder of those qualities...

No judgement, no questions... just spreading love, kindness, and friendship...

🙏🙏

That’s exactly why I left Facebook years and years ago.

[quote] I think the selfie obsession is a complicated manifestation of the shackles of the ego. An imbalance of attention seeking and blending in. [/quote]

I agree 100%

Neither do I get taking photos of what I'm about to eat.
Unless it's off the charts unique; like a hot dog that is the spitting image of R2D2 that moves and beeps. THAT is worthy.

I am a guy who loves black and wears an all black shirt and pant if I have to. However, yes I do get your point.

I don't take a lot of selfies at all. I actually don't take or post them. I personally prefer to understand a person on the basis of their character rather than looks.

I'm the same because I don't like pictures of my self or sharing them... but that's me. Everyone else is completely different. Everyone else has different ideas.

I couldn't agree more! I don't share selfies myself... I prefer to get to know someone... It's what's on the inside that counts and attracts me the most 🤗

When your parents made you dress a certain way, presentable as you put it, they were following what, at the time, was the "acceptable" trend.

Today, selfies are not necessarily a sign that someone is seeking attention. It's part of what's acceptable. Same deal with tattoos. At one point, in the past, tattoos were an expression of rebellion and uniqueness, but to some, it was trashy, devil worship, etc. Today, everyone has a tattoo or a boy full of tattoos.

I'm older, so not into selfies, but...

It’s a little bit of fun for me personally ~ I’m interested how others see me and I don’t over analyse it anymore.

I’m much more than what people see in a photograph and people see things differently so yeah I’m curious on the perception of it

Most of the time I live outside of their box ... very few get me and only one person knows my story and the real me here 😌

Other than that I’m not beholden to it and I’ve gone anonymous most of the time here.

Thank you for appreciating my comment, FunkyFlow.

You are right on.
I don't post any as I like being anonymous and it isn't anyone's business.

I get why others do, but there is a point it can be beyond excessive. A deep need for attention and compliments. Narcissists won't admit they are one, but their behavior proves it out.

Others should not judge me with my appearance; And looking at my selfies is not the right way for me to explore myself. People don't know themselves, but want to discuss it with others.

Good point about selfie.