I post, so I am alive.
As soon as I posted my thoughts about selfies some people added their beautiful thoughts.
A friend JC shared that: "Yes if it's done constantly. But just because we have a camera in our pockets full time does not mean there's a problem. Life is changing and will change again with this next 3.0 version of the internet. Everything will be based on Blockchain technology. If you want to be relevant then the internet will be the only way to accomplish that business or personal.
Here is when deep conversations start.
Another friend, Gabriela, adds: "This is true for me. I only post a picture of myself when I’m feeling lonely, need attention, or want to remind people I’m still here."
Following the ideas from JC, and adding Gabriela's line of thought we have an agreement. Yes, if it's done constantly, and maybe not if it's done sometimes?
One of the truths is that since the old ages we - human beings - always wanted to belong, to be part of a group. In the past we were tribal, we had our groups, we hunted together, we cooked together, we had families together. Nowadays our tribe is broken. We have less connection, even with all the internet connection we've created. We have less friends, even with the amount of friends we have on facebook. We have less love, even with the ever growing porn industry (which doesn't mean love at all).
Then the culture of selfies came to life. Instead of asking people to take a picture of us, perhaps starting a conversation, we do it ourselves, like a good independent American. I say American because the culture of selfies likely started here in the USA or another culture where connection was declining. And I say that because I saw the difference going to Brazil every year and seeing people taking selfies only when there was nobody else to do it for them. Up to today, you still can see people in Brazil (possibly in other parts of the World) asking other people to take a picture for them.
To be clear of my theory, taking photos is a great way to keep memories, to save a slice of time with us forever. What I am talking about is self photography, showing people all the amazing places you visited - alone. To show how amazing that party was - alone. To show the World how you feel - alone.
I do believe selfies with friends are different. We might want to have everybody in the picture, not have someone in the group taking the photo without the person. What bothers me are those lonely selfies, often full of make up, full of fake smiles, fake happiness.
The happiest communities in the World are the ones who people live their lives live! they don't record, they don't have to share posts of what what they eat or drink. My theory is that the happier you are, the less selfies you share.
Remember what Gabriela said: "I only post a picture of myself when I’m feeling lonely, need attention, or want to remind people I’m still here." So do many people, including me and you.
So the goal is not stop taking selfies, it is to understand how we can be connected again, so we might not need to show what we are not - happy, because we will be happier, and we won't need to prove it to people.
Are you ready?
Rodrigo Baena
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