the fight against narcissism in a world of narcissists

image: Pinterest - Donutlookatme ☪

Social media, mainly instagram has created a platform of self-display which once was deemed socially unacceptable, too embarrassing or extremely inappropriate. These half naked, provocative and somewhat graphic images that we would never dream of willingly exposing to the public are now the norm, they are now the socially acceptable behaviour which retrieves the reward of more likes, more followers and more popularity.

When we are rewarded on the basis of our appearance, we are developing a belief in ourselves that beauty, sexiness, and exposure of our bodies and ‘the perfect photo’ are attributes worth striving for. We begin to believe that these qualities are the most important and interesting things about ourselves. Rewarding and encouraging this behaviour is turning us into narcissistic versions of ourselves.

Obsessing about how to look good for an Instagram photo, taking and re-taking photos, whilst changing poses, hairstyles, outfits, locations, amount of breast or butt exposure, box gap, six pack and lip pout over and over and over again, which means we are spending more and more time in a virtual world that only leaves us more and more disconnected from reality, and discontent with ourselves. Comparison is the thief of joy and instagram feeds off your insecurities and need to compare your life, your body, your diet, and your happiness with everyone else only leaving you feeling more empty than before.

Here is a great article from another young woman's experience as well.  "It’s so healing to trust that I have the right to love my life right now, right where I’m at. Just the way it looks."

http://storylineblog.com/2016/02/18/rule-for-instagram/