It is May 2008. I feel like I am Steve Job’s best friend with my brand new (white!) MacBook. I’m exploring everything this marvel of futuristic technology can do, and I run into an app called “Camera.” Click, open, and…wait, a second. I can take a picture of myself with this thing?!
And just like that, the selfie entered my world. I was hooked!
I could now take a picture of myself knowing exactly what I would look like in it. I was already the kid who couldn’t pass a mirror without looking — okay, I still am — and now, I could see myself on camera before snapping a picture. It was exhilarating! That selfie was the first picture I posted on Facebook.
The author, in 2008, posing for her first selfie ever.
As I reflect on my own journey with selfies on National Selfie Day, I can't help but think: Why are we so hooked on our own images? Is it the ultimate expression of self-love or the height of vanity? No matter what we think of them, selfies are here to stay and are ingrained in day-to-day lives. The idea of a day to celebrate selfies got me thinking of some iconic moments that have shaped this phenomenon.
Start at the beginning: first selfie ever
Robert Cornelius, 1839. Photo: Library of Congress.
We associate selfies with phones and the current era, but the first intentional selfie is often attributed to Robert Cornelius in 1839. It was early November and Robert stood alone in the yard of his family’s Philadelphia gas lighting business. In front of him was a makeshift camera, its lens fashioned from an opera glass. Robert had already figured out the daylight was good to capture the exposure he wanted on the prepared metal plate with the camera so he could take a picture of himself. He had to stay motionless and look forward for 10 to 15 minutes - no easy task. Robert was hundreds of years ahead of his time, and that revolutionary selfie was acquired by The Library of Congress in 1996.
Enter Paris Hilton: the “invention” of the modern selfie
Britney Spears and Paris Hilton in 2006. Photo: Paris Hilton/X.
Fast forward to 2006, and Paris Hilton popularized the modern selfie with an iconic self-snap of her and then-bestie Britney Spears. Paris brought selfies into the mainstream, breaking ground for what was to become a commonplace habit after the release of the iPhone in 2007.
That one at the Oscars: the pinnacle of selfie culture
Ellen and the gang at the 2014 Oscars. Photo: Ellen DeGeneres/X.
Remember Ellen DeGeneres' famous Oscar selfie in 2014? With a star-studded lineup including Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence, and Meryl Streep, the selfie took off online like a rocket ship, becoming the most retweeted tweet of all time with over 3.4 million retweets. This wasn't just a photo; it was a global sensation. It was a moment that showcased the power of selfies to connect people and create viral moments in pop culture.
Selfies and the rise of the Cults of One
All this brings me to that deeper question: why are we so hooked on our own images?
According to a survey by the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 55% of facial plastic surgeons saw patients seeking surgery to look better in selfies. This striking statistic reveals how deeply selfies have penetrated our perception of beauty and self-worth, how much we can get obsessed with how we see ourselves in a picture.
The fact that people are willing to undergo surgical procedures to enhance their appearance in selfies is proof of the powerful influence of selfies in shaping contemporary ideals of attractiveness.
However, there is a duality at play, where selfies can be a tool for self-expression and a catalyst for ego. While selfies can empower individuals by boosting self-esteem and allowing creative self-representation, they can also deceive, and make people believe in unrealistic beauty standards.
On the brighter side, selfies can boost self-esteem and foster self-love. A study by the University of California, Irvine found that taking and sharing selfies can make people happier and more confident. There are countless inspiring anecdotes of people using selfies to celebrate milestones, promote body positivity, and raise awareness for important causes. It's a reminder that at their best, selfies can be powerful tools for personal and social empowerment.
Selfies and social media: a match made in heaven
Selfies have significantly influenced social behavior and communication. In 2019, Google reported that Android users take 93 million selfies per day. This shift from traditional photo albums to instant sharing on social media has changed how we document our lives, making every moment shareable and every individual a potential influencer.
Snapchat revolutionized selfies with its fun and creative filters, making them more engaging and entertaining. With users sharing over 3 billion snaps per day, many of which are selfies, Snapchat has become a cornerstone of selfie culture.
Instagram, on the other hand, transformed from a social board on Facebook to a curated photo album where selfies took center stage. As of 2021, there are over 400 million posts tagged with #selfie on Instagram. The platform's focus on visual content has created a space where people meticulously craft their image and share their lives. From front-facing cameras to selfie sticks and beyond, the evolution of selfie technology has made it easier and more fun to capture and share our lives.
Selfies have undeniably impacted modern culture. On this National Selfie Day, let’s celebrate "the good side" of selfies, the one that boosts our individuality while connecting us to one another through a collective uplifting vibe. But first…let me take a selfie!
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