Dubai: Just like breathing, sleeping, and eating, taking a selfie or several selfies has become a standard part of many people’s daily routine.
Named the word of the year in 2013, taking a selfie and posting it on social media channels has become a growing trend that is here to stay. However, the issue in question is the lack of selfie etiquette online, and the hidden psychological effect behind the constant need to take selfies.
Ivy P., 30, who works as a secretary in Dubai, said she takes selfies only for fun.
“I don’t take selfies regularly, maybe once in a few days. I do it when I’m extremely happy and I want to share my happiness with my family back home that see me via Facebook,” Ivy told Gulf News.
Ivy explained that her son who lives in the Philippines loves to keep track of what his mum is doing through the selfies and videos she posts on Facebook.
She said since pictures capture a moment, taking selfies is her way of preserving memories.
“I save all my selfies. I do this because I would like to be able to see them again when I get older, like a memento or a remembrance from the past.”
Ivy admitted she takes selfies only when she has something new such as new make-up to try or new clothes.
Criticising the concept of selfies, Dubai resident Fajer Al Awadi from Kuwait said she hates the trend that has taken over social media. “Everyone is so concerned about their looks and their materialistic happiness that they forget about people around them,” said Fajer. The 28-year-old said she considers people who regularly post selfies reflecting every part or hour of their day “selfie addicts”. “People don’t consider the place or time when they are taking a selfie and, in many cases, their selfies are inappropriate for several reasons.”
Mariam Habib, from Egypt, said while she isn’t a big fan of selfies, using Snapchat has got her into the habit of taking funny selfies and sending them to her friends and family. “The other day while at the dentist, I quickly took out my cellphone to take a selfie of how funny I looked with all the dental equipment in my mouth just for Snapchat,” she said.
Mariam said while she enjoys using Snapchat, she believes there are certain situations that should not be documented with a selfie. “Just like everything else, there is a time and a place to take a selfie.”
