Narcissism: Does social media use increase the levels of narcissism in people?

We all have that annoying Facebook or Instagram friend who is constantly posting pictures and sharing their location, so you know all the fancy places to go to. If you are more of a Twitter person, you’ve probably come across people who hold such strong views and beliefs and would go to any length to defend them. Studies suggest that all humans possess narcissistic tendencies, but it seems social media serves as an incubator for self-absorbed individuals.

Narcissism

This term has become quite popular in recent years with people being quick to use it to describe a former lover, friend or even family, often in a disapproving way. According to Psychology Today:

Narcissism is a cluster of behaviors that occur together and include grandiose feelings of self-importance, the need for power or admiration, dwelling on one’s own appearance and achievements, and an inability to empathize with others.

There are two types of narcissism:

• Grandiose narcissism which is characterized by feelings of superiority and entitlement. These individuals tend have rather confident social media personas, while harbouring insecurity and anxiety.
• Vulnerable narcissism plays out as hypersensitivity to criticism and a constant need for reassurance. These people are more susceptible to being addicted to social media as they seek positive feedback online because such platforms allow them control over their appearance.

How to spot a narcissist online

A 2013 research shows that there are more narcissistic people on Twitter than other platforms that are image-heavy. But whatever site you are on, you can spot a self-absorbed personality bordering on narcissism based on these cues:

• They have lots of friends and a huge following
• They post carefully curated and sometimes edited photos almost every social gathering they attend
• They are active on Twitter and prefer maintaining weak ties with their followers
• They like to make attention-seeking posts like:

Purging my friends list. Good luck making the cut

Read more:

⋙ Zodiac: These are the 4 most narcissistic zodiac signs

⋙ 4 Ways To Protect Yourself From A Manipulative Narcissist

⋙ Study Says You Can Tell If Someone's A Narcissist By Looking At Their Eyebrows