How Do Narcissists Use Social Media?
Some people love to post their workouts online.
Recent research suggests that those who frequently share their workout routine online with others though, might share some narcissistic traits.
They concluded that the narcissists were the most avid about updating their social media with workout-related content. As well, they suggested that the main motivation for the frequent posters, was the goal of boasting about their looks or time invested to maintain their physical appearance.
feeding the need for attention and validation...
There are different types of narcissism, they are classified as grandiose and vulnerable, with the grandiose variety being described as more confident, less emotionally vulnerable, extroverted, and attention-seeking.
Previous research that has also sought to investigate how narcissists use social media has suggested that there is a strong connection between overall social media use and grandiose narcissism.
For example, researchers have previously concluded that grandiose narcissism is related to things like the amount of time someone spends online, the frequency of their posts, and the number of followers that they have.
Would you be surprised to find out that narcissists are likely to follow other narcissists on Instagram?
Researchers assert that the main reason many narcissists are using social media today is because they're trying to look cool, they say apps like Instagram appeal to this crowd because they are the perfect platform for shallow and surfacy interactions.
Narcissists are likely to post more selfies and update their profile photo frequently, they're going to spend a lot of time editing photos before posting, and they will spend more time using social media overall than those with less narcissistic traits, past research suggests.
Social networks are said to be an ideal platform for narcissists, one which they can't help but feel drawn to, because it is the perfect environment for them to self-promote. Whether or not social media is fueling an onset of narcissistic traits for many, or it's simply attracting those with pre-existing narcissism is up for debate.
Pics:
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pic 3 - AcidPaint via Pinterest
This seems to go without say, my only question would be whether social media makes us narcisictic or narcicists seek out social media... Hmmm
I'm more inclined to the idea that social media attracts and congregates narcissists. The platform is ideal for photo and video sharing, which attracts a certain type of narcissists, the type who exhibit their person and personality through these media, namely photos and videos.
There are other narcissists (if we can define narcissists as people with a desire to seek attention) who don't do so via photos or videos but via other means. For example, people who are extremely good at making money might show off a new Ferrari, probably not via taking a photo of it and posting it but by driving it through the streets and showing off. Or people who are extremely good at doing research might show off a new finding not by making a post somewhere where 99% of the population won't understand anyway, but by publishing in scientific papers and then plastering copies of them, likely with their name highlighted, in their office. Such other forms of narcissism is no less narcissistic than those who show off their summer bodies on instagram. They just don't find social media an adequate platform for their showing off needs.
Isn't the whole point of social media to become an "influencer?" It's all about power and status, no?
LoL I think I would be more of a narcissist if I had abs. So for now the world is safe from me. Haha but one day....sigh... probably not.
You @artwatch you are funny man!
=)
/FF
I tend to think so.
So Im "enabling" you right now? =)
/FF
Your article makes a lot of sense to me. I have often felt that of folks who plaster selfies in FB. But so too grandmas who cannot get over their grandchildren and constantly brag about them. Or the pastor who tirelessly posts photos of himself at a ceremony or service. Social media is a mecca for to attract this kind of personality. Funny thing is that most of the friends following are not real friends but social fair weather butterflies. LOL Thanks for sharing @doitvoluntarily
these people are very narcissistic is how you say your friend they post every time and update the photos post second is impressive what makes the narcissism and more when they have a well defined body for everything they do a video and a photo they think they are the center of attraction
@doitvoluntarily
I think everybody who is a human needs validation, it's a need for any human. The question is (like you said) does socialmedia cause narcissistic-behaviour to increase in a normal individual?
There is also a lot of miss conception going on around narcissism, "self-obsessed people" who take selfies all the time and post them on instagram are not exactlly the same thing as narcissism/being a narcissist, but I guess that could be like a "gateway drug" that facilitates the development of narcissistic behaviour...?
I can imagine that "old-socialmedia" where people use there first and last-name and co-entangle family, friends, partners and ex-partners, is a real "wet-dream" for any narcissist, specially the malignant-narcissist, who can use it as a convenient tool to supervise and even "mind-control", stalk and harras people...
Thanks for your article I really enjoyed reading it.
/FF
With all those trends developed every day in social media, a lot of our personal issues come out. Being so called "attention sucker" is a common problem in the society nowadays. I personally do not understand the struggle to seek everyone's support and "like"...
Good job for the article, @doitvolutarily!