Selfie Stigma – #AtoZChallenge

When was the last time you visited a new place and left without taking a ‘selfie’? If you somehow never really cared about the need for a selfie, well good for you! But if you did, err..there might be an issue here. I wouldn’t deny the fact that I’m afraid I’ll soon be a part of the latter bandwagon. The world is going insane with selfies since 2013. It turned out to be the easiest way to blur out the thin line between self-love and self-obsession.

I remember going for vacations to enjoy the scenic beauty or click a picture or two with a camera. Taking photographs never really appeared to come in the way while enjoying the place I was in. I used to live the moment by experiencing the atmosphere and feeling astounded by nature’s beauty. I could cherish my moments at the location without any deviation or distraction. But I’m no longer able to take pleasure in the place I visit. I feel urged to take a selfie. Even if I don’t, I’m unable to appreciate the place I’m in due to the innumerable selfie sticks and selfie circus going on around me. The aura and the vibe that a tourist spot is supposed to radiate is lost. There is some sort of commotion resulting out of the selfie mania that keeps taking away peace. It is acceptable to take a selfie or two for remembrance. But the urge to keep clicking until we get the right one and the urge to post it on various social media platforms, kills the pleasure we need to take from the atmosphere around. The enjoyment slowly turns to stress due to the inability to click satisfying selfies. We no longer care about the destination we are in. We start bothering more about the number of ‘likes’  we get for the posted selfie rather than cherishing the moment amidst nature’s beauty.

Selfie has become a mandatory trademark or advertisement of anything and everything people do. No matter what activity they indulge in, no matter where they are and with who they are, a selfie has become a ‘the must’ aspect of everything. It’s pathetic to realize that few people even started working for a social cause only to advertise their selfies for fame or for an applaud of their good deeds. Selfies have also turned out to be the new autographs. People no longer care for a signed autograph on their books when they meet their favorite author. All they look forward for is a selfie with them!

The selfie revolution has some adverse impact on the younger generation. Youngsters are turning out to be so obsessed with it, that whatever they do, buy or wear or visit, it’s only for one sole reason- The selfie! Various theories stating that selfie obsession may indicate narcissism have already started emerging.

Though it may sound more like a fun and self- loving phenomena at the beginning, the extent to which it is being used is a matter of concern. It no longer signifies self love but is paving way for unnecessary mental disorders.

The need of the hour is not a selfie, but a phone without a front camera! Because too much of anything always turns out ruinous.