Selfie /n./: an image of oneself
taken by oneself using a digital camera especially for posting on social
networks (credit: merriam-webster.com)
We live in a society with an
abundance of pictures. And if you know me, you know that most of the pictures
in my friend circles come from me. I love pictures. I love taking pictures to
enjoy the moment. I love having pictures to look back on when I am sad. I love
looking at pictures that take you back to that very moment and allow you to
instantly remember. Because of all of those things, I have become more and more
interested in all of the talk about selfies.
I have heard and read so many
articles that hate on selfies. They say things like, "You can manufacture
what you look like in a selfie" or "That's not a true picture of
you" or "People who take selfies are completely self-absorbed."
Now, I am not completely denying that some of those statements are true in
certain situations, but rarely do you hear the other side of the selfie
debate...
I think that people are becoming
more and more proud of who they are. I remember a time where people would freak
out over a bad picture that was posted of them on Facebook and instantly remove
it. I don't think that is necessarily the case anymore. I think that with the
popularity of selfies growing, we, as a culture, are becoming more aware of
what we look like. Some might think that is a bad thing, but rather I think that
because you can't go on any social media site without seeing a selfie, we are
being made more aware of the differences in the physical look of all human
beings.
And so what if you can pose or
angle your head just the right way? By going through the process of finding the
"perfect selfie picture" of you, you are observing all facets of you
and what makes you unique. When you post the selfie on whichever social media
site you happen to be on, you are showing pride in your appearance.
I know what you are thinking,
"Katie, have you ever been on snapchat? Those selfies are generally
horrible!" Yes, we've all sent the laying in bed, face all scrunched up
snapchat. We've sent the "Oh my goodness, I'm exhausted" snapchat.
We've sent the "freaking out" snapchat. And let's be honest, we've
probably all sent the worst possible picture that we could take, to our closest
friend. I think that these selfies are even more important than the
"perfect" ones that we post on Facebook and Twitter. We take comfort
in the fact that the snap that we send is only on the screen for 4-secs (or
thereabouts) but either way, we take the picture. We embrace all sides of us...
even the not-so-aesthetically-pleasing sides.
Let's talk about the selfies that
are posted as an update in a weight loss/health journey. I say, go for it! Use
social media, one of the biggest influences in our culture, to find support.
You used to have to go to a gym or meetings to find support, but now let your
1500 Facebook friends help you out!
Selfies that aren't really selfies
because they have someone else in it... are just as important in our society.
Because a selfie is less formal, people are able to have pictures with people
whom might not want to be "in front of the camera." Preserve those
memories. Have some fun. Laugh a little at who has the bigger double chin
before you retake it!
We live in a selfie society. So
embrace it. Love yourself. And post selfies with pride!
