Monday, February 3, 2014

Selfies Psychology

"Selfies" Psychology: Denise Duval Tsioles, PhD, LCSW talks to Fox News about the possible meaning behind teen self portraits displayed via social media. 
Chicago News and Weather | FOX 32 News

Fox News contacted Child Therapy Chicago to get our expert opinion on selfies. From a developmental perspective, adolescence is a time of identity formation. So, it is normal for teens to be focused on their image.

Social media provides an outlet and an audience for feedback. However, when all teens do is post pictures and they become totally engrossed in the process, this could suggest that they have feelings of insecurity and they are attempting to bolster their sense of self worth through the feedback of others.

It could also indicate they do not have a lot of friends. Putting themselves out there on social media is a way to feel connected to and engage with others.

So, the more intense teens are with these "selfies," the more likely something is going on with them and these photos become a way to fill a need for attention, confidence, security, recognition, etc.