Selfies are all the rage. Ever since mobile users, app developers and social media networks found that a good mobile phone with a front camera can make a difference in networking and mobile phone use, selfies took the technology world by storm.
However, some may see it as an act of vanity. After all, why would a user take a picture of himself or herself and post it online for all to see? According to a new research study from the Brigham Young University, taking selfies does not make a person narcissistic.
Brigham Young University co-author, Steven Holiday, says that it is important to know that not everyone is a narcissist, as reported by Brigham Young University. The authors of the study interviews and surveys social media users to find out what kind of selfie takers are there. They took data from subjects ages 18 to 45 years old and did follows up after.
According to the new research, there are three types of people who snap pictures of themselves and share it on social networks. The first one is called a Communicator. Communicators, like some celebrities, are interested in two-way conversations. They often post to engage with followers, family or friends. Anne Hathaway is an example of this kind of selfie-taker, as reported by Health. She used her social media profile to ask if anyone has voted during election day.
The second kind is an Autobiographer. They use selfies as a tool to document important events. Astronaut Scott Kelley is an example of this. The astronaut announced a life changing event which was walking in space.
The last kind of selfie-taker, according to the Brigham Young researchers, is the Self-publicists. They document their entire life and makes sure to show it in a positive light.
Although not everyone can find themselves in the three categories, the study offers a look into the psychology and understanding of why people take selfies.
Want to know how to take a selfie? Check out this Buzzfeed video below:
