Psychology of the Selfie

<p><em>The Psychology of the Selfie</em> provides a comprehensive overview and analysis of research on the significance of selfies offering insights into the topic from a psychological perspective and examining important issues such as body image self-objectification mental health and psychological benefits.</p><p>Selfies are a worldwide phenomenon. Although dismissed by critics as a sign of self-absorbed narcissism they are also a social currency that maintains and reinforces friendships a feedback loop for self-identity affirmation a promotional tool for gaining social influence and a method for preserving memories of life events. In this book Barrie Gunter expertly explores the psychological underpinnings of the contemporary global phenomenon of selfies from the historical roots and meteoric rise due to technical advancements to the different personality types of selfie-takers to social relationships to group and personal identity. Looking at both the psychological nature and impact of selfies this book reviews different psychological outcomes for selfie-takers both positive and negative and the growth in psychological and physical problems that can sometimes arise. </p><p>Presenting a comprehensive analysis specifically of selfie behaviour this book is an essential reference for students and researchers in communications and media journalism information studies psychology and sociology as well as anyone with a general interest in the phenomenon.</p>