Many believe that selfie-taking is the height of narcissism perpetuated by self-obsessed celebrities.
However, behavioural economist Dan Ariely claims that taking impromptu self-portraits (which are, mostly, unflattering) stems from the human need to belong and to embrace the present moment.
Here are five reasons why we take them:
Seize the day
Astronaut Rick Mastracchio, who was on a spacewalk while at the International Space Station in April 2014
The starting point is that there are moments that we want to capture and cherish, for our own memory or to share with others.
FOMO
The Irish rugby team take a celebratory selfie after winning the Heineken Cup in March.
If we stop what we are doing and ask a stranger to take our picture — emotionally we would be stepping out of the moment, stand still while smiling artificially, take the picture and then try to get back to whatever were doing and feeling. A selfie solves this problem because we don’t step out of the moment.
We can share the experience
That Oscars selfie
In fact, a selfie is part of the experience and it can enhance the moment by getting us to stand closer to each other, look together at ourselves on the screen—a sort of celebration of the shared experience.
We’re not as worried about how we look
US Ambassador to Japan Caroline Kennedy takes a selfie with US Vice President Joe Biden and Irish leader Enda Kenny in Tokyo, December 2013
Another interesting aspect of selfies is that the expectation is for an awkward low quality picture. This means that those of us who are always worried about how we look on camera don’t need to worry as much—everyone looks bad.
Everyone's doing it, so why shouldn't we?
Barack Obama, David Cameron and Helle Thorning-Schmidt continue their mission to improve transatlantic relations. At Nelson Mandela’s funeral
And finally, because of the interplay between language and decision making, naming this activity is also important. Once the activity of standing close together, looking at our phone from an uncomfortable angle, and taking a picture got a name—it becomes socially acceptable and legitimate.
