The Good The Bad and The Ugly.
Social media is inundated with them and we participate in our own or someone else’s on a daily basis, yet there is a silent anti-selfie movement gathering momentum in every private whatsapp group from here to north Korea. I don’t care if you’re male, female, young or old. Everyone is exercising an opinion whether its publically or privately...the latter occupying the 98th percentile let’s be honest. So what is it about these marmite musings that has got everyone in such a fluster?
Admittedly the pout pursuit has taken on a life of its own. There is nothing more ironic than overlooking the magic of the present moment by trying to perfect a picture that most adequately conveys the wonderful time you’re having...whilst also making you look as attractive as possible of course!
Ideally I would advise you to put down your phone and whole heartedly soak up the uniqueness of where you are and who you’re with. But that’s just not realistic in the online culture we now live in. The unwritten rule that an iphone MUST be within a 60cm radius at all times, is transforming the way we live our daily lives. Picture content is increasingly shaping the way we communicate with people and interact with the outside world. So unfortunately for some, it seems like the selfie is here to stay!
Where were you when my instagram selfie only got 6 likes?
You need only to look at my profile picture to see that I am a pro selfie activist. I’ve received my fair share of criticism too. ‘Too Pouty’ ‘Imaginative Use of Lighting’ and my personal favourite ‘That Doesn’t Even Look Like You’ name just a few! Luckily I was gifted with an elastic band sense of humour which allows me to spring back from these comments but others aren’t so fortunate.
My advice for navigating ‘The should I, shouldn’t I post’ struggle, is to always bear in mind that people love to criticise. Don’t take it personally it’s human nature. If you feel confident enough to share a photo of yourself with the world, then you go right on ahead. Flex those muscles, pose with ridiculous night club props and get the squad together for a silly group photo. Sadly we only get older and uglier, so if you feel good share it! Positive vibes are contagious.
My biggest criticism is photo editing. There is nothing about yourself that you should want to change so drastically, that it becomes visibly noticeable. I would question the motives behind photoshopping personal photographs as being largely unhealthy and self destructive. Everyone knows a selfie can undoubtedly be improved with an instagram filter and a brighter more flattering back drop. (God know this girl needs all the Valencia she can get!) But please bear in mind a facebook photograph is not intended for an editorial spread in Vogue Magazine. If you go missing how will we find you!
Ultimately, everything boils down to a matter of perspective. If a self indulgent selfie or two is the worst thing people can say about you, then I think you’re going to be ok. A true friend will always give you a supportive like because they know that you are FABULOUS whether other people think that you look absurd or not. Privately, we might tell you (from a place of love) that a particular photo does the real you no justice. The best kind of photographs are the ones where someone’s smile reaches their eyes or you’ve managed to capture them mid uncontrollable laugh. They’re the creme de la creme and the real ones worth breaking the internet for.
We should never lose sight of the fact that social media puts people in a vulnerable position. Everyone needs a little bit of space to work out how much or how little of themselves they want to expose to the world. My own personal mantra is if you don’t like my pictures on instagram feel free to unfollow. If you don’t like what I say on Facebook remove me as a friend. I only want to be surrounded by people who contribute to my life in a happy and positive way.
The crux of the matter is that I don’t hang around with anyone who makes me feel bad about myself, or the occasional ridiculous looking selfies which I post. Thankfully I am blessed with good friends who help me manoeuvre the treacherous social media balancing act. But whatever your own selfie choice is, choose it for you and no one else.
From Edinburgh with Love.
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