It’s all good to want to capture how you look in a single moment. Whether it’s because you love your outfit or you’re at an amazing location, there’s nothing wrong with encapsulating that memory forever.
However, where does the need to take an absurd multitude come from? Why does it seem so difficult to simply take one picture and be done with it?
Well, the likely reason is because…
You’ve likely never seen what you actually look like!
As it turns out, studies have shown that we have very, almost embarrassingly little experience in observing our own faces.
Think about it…
How often do you find yourself in front of a reflective surface or camera? It’s typically significantly less time than you spend walking around only using your first-person point of view.
This lack of visual knowledge results in a very inaccurate representation of what our own faces look like at any given time. This misguided depiction of ourselves makes us systematically choose images that have been digitally altered to make us appear more attractive.
We have an image of ourselves that tends to be younger and more attractive than we actually are, making it more likely for us to gravitate toward pictures where we look more aesthetically pleasing than we actually are. This mental roadblock is precisely what keeps us taking photos until they match our skewed perception.
WHy is this sort of behavior not seen as abnormal?
The process of taking a selfie is almost criminally easy. There’s no need for a complicated setup or outfit prerequisites. As long as you have a device capable of taking pictures, you can document yourself doing anything at any time with the press of one button.
Because of its simplicity, it’s shifted from a simple self-portrait photo to one of the most popular ways to market oneself. Celebrities and companies have utilized the practice with extreme efficiency, promoting themselves, their brand, and their personal lifestyles for the world to see. After briefly scouring the internet, here are some examples…
What Do they Have In Common?
Reflection
After analyzing these various selfies, there were several key observations and reflections noted. In the digital age, the power of self-representation has reached unprecedented heights. Celebrities, like anyone else, use selfies not only as snapshots of their lives but as carefully curated tools for constructing and disseminating their personal brand. Through various elements like angles, lighting, poses, and filters, these individuals exercise substantial control over their public image. They can convey a wide range of emotions, from confidence and vulnerability to empowerment and relatability, often catering to their fan base’s desires. Moreover, the immediacy and intimacy of selfies enable a more authentic connection between celebrities and their followers, blurring the lines between public and private personas. This art of self-representation in the digital age isn’t limited to celebrities; it’s a reflection of the broader societal trend where individuals use social media to craft their identities, fostering a world where personal image has become a compelling form of self-expression and influence. In essence, the power of self-representation in the digital age has transformed how we perceive ourselves and others, underscoring the importance of authenticity, relatability, and the capacity to connect on a personal level in the ever-evolving landscape of the online world.
Studio Vic 