What would Freud make of our obsession with selfies? | BBC Ideas

Summary

The video explores the historical and psychological roots of selfies, dating back to the first one taken in 1839. It delves into the concept of narcissism, introduced by Sigmund Freud, and how it relates to the modern selfie culture. The script discusses the rise in narcissistic traits, particularly in social media, and the potential negative impacts on viewers, such as increased envy and insecurity. Freud's theories on the need for attention and the neurotic nature of seeking validation are used to critique the selfie phenomenon, suggesting a more balanced approach to self-presentation.

Takeaways

• 📸 The concept of selfies is as old as photography itself, with the first selfie taken in 1839 by Robert Cornelius.
• 🤳 The term 'selfie' was coined in 2013 and quickly became the Oxford English Dictionary's word of the year.
• 🧐 Sigmund Freud's theories on narcissism suggest that excessive self-love can lead to a psychological disorder.
• 🌟 Narcissism is associated with an individual's preoccupation with their own image and a desire for admiration from others.
• 📈 Studies indicate that narcissistic traits are more prevalent in individuals who are active on social media and post selfies, particularly men.
• 🚺 Interestingly, women post more selfies but are found to be less narcissistic compared to men.
• 📈 Narcissism has been on the rise, paralleling the increase in obesity rates over the past few decades.
• 🔍 Freud might have seen the rise in selfie culture as stemming from a combination of narcissism and a need for social approval.
• 🤔 The constant exposure to curated, idealized images of others through selfies can lead to feelings of envy, inadequacy, and isolation.
• 👍 Freud would advise focusing on capturing moments with friends rather than selfies to foster more meaningful connections and reduce neurotic tendencies.

Q & A

When was the term 'selfie' first added to the Oxford English Dictionary?

The term 'selfie' was first added to the Oxford English Dictionary in 2013.

Who is credited with taking the first selfie, and when was it taken?

The first selfie is credited to an American named Robert Cornelius, and it was taken in 1839.

What is the Greek mythological story that Freud associated with narcissism?

In the Greek myth, a young man named Narcissus falls in love with his own reflection in a pool and eventually drowns trying to embrace his own image.

According to Freud, what is the natural part of being human that can turn into a psychological disorder?

Freud thought that a bit of self-love is a natural part of being human, but it can turn into a psychological disorder when someone loves themselves to the exclusion of everyone and everything else.

How do psychologists measure narcissism today?

Psychologists have developed tests to measure personality traits like narcissism, and they have found that narcissists tend to be more active on social media.

What is the relationship between posting selfies and narcissism according to the script?

Posting selfies is strongly related to narcissism, but this relationship is more pronounced in men, while women tend to post more selfies despite being less narcissistic.

How does the psychologist Jean Twenge describe the rise of narcissism over the past few decades?

Jean Twenge has shown that narcissism has risen at roughly the same rate as obesity over the past few decades.

What did Freud believe about the need for attention, as illustrated by his observations of 'hysterical paralysis'?

Freud believed that the women suffering from 'hysterical paralysis' were unconsciously stopping themselves from walking because they wanted attention.

How does the script suggest selfies can contribute to feelings of envy, inadequacy, isolation, and insecurity?

Selfies show people's best moments, carefully curated and heavily stage-managed, which can lead to feelings of envy, inadequacy, isolation, and insecurity in those viewing them.

What advice does the script give regarding taking selfies, based on Freud's perspective?

The script suggests that instead of focusing on taking selfies, one should remember Narcissus and focus on their friends instead, as this may lead to a more positive social interaction and align with Freud's views on healthy behavior.

What is the script's final recommendation for enhancing understanding of the selfie culture?

The script recommends that to enhance understanding of selfie culture, one should consider the psychological implications of both taking and viewing selfies, as well as the historical context provided by Freud's theories.