Is Social Media Fueling the Rise of Narcissism?
Many think that the increase in narcissism may be due to the wide use of social media, which provides a perfect environment for narcissists to display their perceived self-worth for others to see, becoming a cycle as they develop increased validation from internet interactions. While some may argue that the rise of narcissism stems from the use of empty praise on youth, social media has ultimately played a role in normalizing and increasing narcissistic ideals in society.
Tendencies of individuals who scored high on narcissism related to posting more pictures of themselves, sharing more information, and engaging more in social media than the average person. This correlates with the rise in influencers over the last decade. Researchers of the Copenhagen Business School noticed that many influencers used “look at me” strategies on their platform to build their self-presentation, and through their study, found that influencers spent a greater amount of time reviewing themselves with concern of how they were seen by others instead of building genuine connections with their followers. As a result, they scored higher for self-monitoring traits such as narcissism and extraversion.
Many social media platforms were created for the purpose of sharing; more specifically, uploading pictures. Studies have shown that selfies contribute to an increase in narcissism, as they help to verify an individual’s outward appearance. One study conducted over a four-month period of 74 people from 18 to 34 found a 25% increase in narcissistic traits through excessive posting, so much so that many of the participants could have been clinically diagnosed with narcissistic personality disorder. These results are unsurprising, seeing as egocentric people desire recognition, which they can reach through posting.
An open-ended question carried out by a survey of Elon University asked students if they believed that posting selfies to social media encouraged their own narcissism and selfish behaviors. More than half of the students answered with a yes; one person added, “I can honestly say that I am 100% guilty of participating in selfish and narcissistic behaviors when I post selfies to the Internet. My main reason for posting selfies is to let people know that I have a social life and to make it seem like I am constantly doing something fun or cool. I feel like it boosts my social status”. This response further establishes the motive people have for posting to the internet, which is to gain attention.
Ironically, social media has negative impacts on mental health, which in turn, incites more narcissistic ideals in individuals. A recent study conducted in 2020 showed that narcissists face a higher risk of becoming addicted to Facebook, to cope from anxiety. The conclusion of this study from the authors was that “the higher the narcissism level, the more anxiety symptoms are experienced that foster the development of addictive tendencies”. The correlation between narcissism and anxiety shows the harmful loop that social media causes for individuals struggling with self-worth. Someone who is egocentric may experience anxiety from social media, which in turn, fuels more anxious thoughts leading to increased self-absorption.
While social media fuels narcissism, it may not necessarily be a bad thing. It is up to the individual to curate and figure out how much social media is healthy for him/her. In small doses, narcissism can be good, as people require self-confidence in their everyday lives. Conversely, too much of this trait is counterproductive as people lack the basic ability to have empathy, which is what the overuse of social media is doing to individuals. Social media needs to regulate their platforms to become less self-focused, otherwise becoming detrimental for the mental health of individuals.
Written By: Alissa Zhu
Sources:
Brailovskaia, Julia. The anxious addictive narcissist: The relationship between grandiose and vulnerable narcissism, anxiety symptoms and Facebook Addiction. 2 Nov. 2020. PLOSONE, https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0241632.
Earnheardt, Adam C. "Social media influencers score high on narcissism." Adam Earnheardt, 2 Dec. 2018, www.adamearn.com/blog/social-media-influencers-score-high-on-narcissism.
Firestone, Lisa, Ph.D. "Is Social Media to Blame for the Rise in Narcissism?" PSYCHALIVE, The Glendon Association, www.psychalive.org/is-social-media-to-blame-for-the-rise-in-narcissism/.
Koetsier, John. "Technology Is Making Our Youth Stressed, Lonely, Narcissistic And Digitally Obese." Forbes, Forbes Inc., 20 May 2020, www.forbes.com/sites/johnkoetsier/2020/03/20/technology-is-making-our-youth-stressed-lonely-narcissistic-and-digitally-obese/?sh=efbe594ecc22.