social media or narcissism which came first

#LongRead — Social Media Or Narcissism: Which Came First?

It has been said — and written — many times that social media fuel narcissism.

Many studies indeed tend to prove that the number of cases of self-obsession has rocketed over the past decade, just as social media have become a part of our daily lives.

Does it automatically mean that social media amplify narcissism?

Well, this fascinating article — I, narcissist – vanity, social media, and the human condition — by Carmen Fishwick suggests things could actually work the other way around…

Yes: there is a remote possibility that human narcissism could have been a pre-requisite for social networks’ success.

Three interesting ideas flowing into this direction:

  • Millenials go through a necessary narcistic phase to distantiate themselves from their parents.
  • People may use social media to A/B test their personalities.
  • Social media narcissim may be the symptom of deeper emotional disorders.

So, narcissism or social media: which came first?


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