ForumsWEPRFacebook Narcissism

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Avorne
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Avorne
3,085 posts
Nomad

As it appears we have an absence of a topic similar to this, I thought I might as well create one on the idea of facebook narcissism.

Ahem, let me start off with some different media sources that broke the story:
Daily Mail
The Telegraph
CNN
Mashable (quite a good one - very detailed)

Now, the topic at hand (as you've probably guessed), is the idea of 'Facebook Narcissism'. For those who don't know what Narcissism is:

1. an exceptional interest in or admiration for oneself, esp one's physical appearance
2. sexual satisfaction derived from contemplation of one's own physical or mental endowments


Anyway, I think a good place to start in this thread would be: What do you think about the notion of facebook narcissism? Do you think it really exists? Or is it just 'eople being people' and promoting themselves in what they consider the best way possible?

Oh, and here are links to a few of the studies and surveys:
One
Two (slightly less focused)
  • 21 Replies
crazyrussian97
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crazyrussian97
256 posts
Shepherd

It definitely exists, after all there are plenty of narcissists in the world and many people use facebook. Facebook makes people feel important because they are viwed and judged by many people. Of course, if you are trying to promote yourself as much as possible, there will always be a trace of narcissism.The fact that some people care so much about what others think shows their devotion to self-image, and what starts out as simply showing yourself turns into a competition of sorts, which in turn breeds facebook narcissism. Of course, I could be completely wrong as I don't use Facebook (parents don't allow me).

Freakenstein
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Freakenstein
9,504 posts
Jester

Good thread! It's a nice change from the usual threads we get.

I don't use Facebook, but my cousin does. he checks his facebook maybe...twice a day. Not that bad. But it's disturbing when he gets texts from his boy and girl friends about "attacks" from others, when they were merely comments on their profile and their pictures that they send. In this sense, it makes sense to believe that there are definite narcissists on Facebook that are also very defensive about their statuses.

Xzeno
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Xzeno
2,301 posts
Nomad

it makes sense to believe that there are definite narcissists on Facebook that are also very defensive about their statuses.
I think this is less a function of narcissism and more a function of a lack of narcissism. Narcissism is often diagnosed when insecurity is the real culprit.
Freakenstein
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Freakenstein
9,504 posts
Jester

Maybe. I mean when you think about it, narcissists are quick to defend what someone else says about themselves. Usually fiery. I'm going on experience here, so it may be different :S

CommanderDude7
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CommanderDude7
4,689 posts
Nomad

I agree a thousand percent. Anyone with a smartphone in my school checks their facebook every passing period. Its quite ridiculous but I see nothing wrong with narcissism in moderation.

1337Player
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1337Player
1,766 posts
Peasant

Its quite ridiculous but I see nothing wrong with narcissism in moderation.


It does exist. I haven't met one on Facebook but it does seem like narcissism would exist on a social networking site.

Narcissists will do what they do. They can get annoying and well let's face it, they'll be here until the end of time.
grimml
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grimml
879 posts
Nomad

I'm pretty sure that this exists... Haven't you ever seen anybody who puts like 100 pics (of him-/herself) online? And often they are taking the pictures themselves (with a mirror)... So annoying... And then they check their facebook account every minute and they have to post everything they're doing...
Ok, I haven't seen it in that extreme form but kinda like that

Kyouzou
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Kyouzou
5,061 posts
Jester

I have a facebook which I check quite a bit, however being infected with paranoia I have no picture on there. Although, some of the pictures I've seen on my friends profiles seem entirely self promoting, which leads me to have some faith in the validity of these studies.

I can't say that I think it promotes it though, it simply encourages those that are already developing or have the condition.

samy
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samy
4,871 posts
Nomad

Interesting studies, also interesting although I'm frequently on facebook I don't exhibit any of the other "symptoms" if you would. I'm not the guy who exists on facebook to create shallow friendships with people I don't know, nor do I post pictures of myself shirtless; do I pick the best picture of me? Of course, but I don't post pictures that don't represent who I actually am.

Kyouzou
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Kyouzou
5,061 posts
Jester

Occasionally though the shirtless pics are either a joke, or simply taken during the summer.

So you would have to know the context the pictures were taken in, before you make a call.

peninnore
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peninnore
173 posts
Nomad

[quote] people are going to start to realise that FB is a bad thing,many people are dead because of that site.[quote]

I say anything that is used other than for its real purpose is bad. Facebook per se, is not bad, it is a medium for social interaction between diverse culture and social backgrounds, acquaintances, old and new friends and family. It holds true that Facebook has become a vehicle for Narcissists, unabashed self promotion, making their profiles their mini altar for themselves.

Avorne
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Avorne
3,085 posts
Nomad

Not that I can see. Good forward planning skills certainly - no problem per se.

FireflyIV
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FireflyIV
3,224 posts
Nomad

I think a lot of what you may think of as narcissism is really facebook addiction. So many people live virtual social lives now it's scary. That said, it does seem to be an ideal outlet for narcissists, but I'm inclined to believe that it's just a result of spending too much time on facebook. Eventually people run out of interesting things to say and just end up talking rubbish aout themselves.

BlackVortex
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BlackVortex
1,360 posts
Nomad

Well people write alot of stupid statuses, I dont really write many, but i mean, theres nothing wrong with facebook, i dont know why people hate facebook users for uploading photos and stuff, thats what its for.
but honestly i dont care if you 'just ate ice cream'

Darkroot
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Darkroot
2,763 posts
Peasant

i dont know why people hate facebook users for uploading photos and stuff, thats what its for.


Parent's and friends that don't want pictures of themselves or them doing questionable activities posted on the Internet then their names tagged on to it. Employers would be able to easily find those pictures and information and decide not to hire or promote you. Also Facebook has made it easier for third parties to data mine the site for information on people and give the Internet in general more access to your personal information. Which is never a good thing.
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