Remember the term “the Me Generation”? Back in the groovy 1970s, as the world buzzed with protests and afros, there was a surge of self-obsession. Self-help books were flying off the shelves, and introspection reached dizzying heights, leading to the phrase “navel-gazing” to describe the phenomenon. People were captivated by their own reflections.
Fast forward to 2015, and we’ve got a new gadget fueling our self-love: the selfie. With a simple button press, we can flip our phone cameras to capture our own faces. If that’s not enough, selfie sticks are here to help us elevate our game! While navel-gazing at least required some level of self-reflection, the selfie takes a different approach—turning the lens inward without the necessary analysis. The mantra seems to be, “It’s me!” and that’s apparently enough.
Hold on a second! Selfies can definitely be enjoyable, and I’m not here to vilify them completely. Sometimes they capture moments of joy, like standing in a breathtaking location or sharing time with a loved one. My 95-year-old neighbor, Mrs. Thompson, just took her very first selfie, and I can’t help but adore it. “Guess who!” she texted to her grandson.
See? I can appreciate selfies, especially when they feature delightful characters like Mrs. Thompson.
However, there’s a broader trend emerging, and it’s leading to some bizarre—and potentially dangerous—behavior. Take, for instance, a dad who filmed his kids weekly against the same backdrop. He compiled these clips into charming videos that showcased their growth from toddlers to young individuals, fostering a special bond in the process. Here’s a glimpse of his son’s transformation:
But then, we witness the less inspiring evolution: adults who document themselves for likes and views. A perfect example? My friend Jake, who was at a coffee shop the other day and witnessed a woman taking NINE selfies while waiting in line. Yes, nine!
What’s worse than mediocre? Depressing! A story about a promposal that went south recently went viral, leaving me scratching my head as to why they felt the need to film their awkward car ride. And guess what? They shared it online for everyone to cringe at. I saw it pop up on my feed at least five times that day.
At least they had the camera set up somewhere, right? Unfortunately, not everyone takes such precautions. Some are now snapping selfies while driving, because clearly, texting and driving just isn’t hazardous enough.
This trend knows no boundaries. Just last year, a driver in Iran took her attention off the road to capture a moment, resulting in a crash that she recorded and posted online. It’s alarming to think about how this fixation with selfies is leading to accidents and injuries.
I propose we flip the camera back around. Sure, an occasional selfie can be fun, but there’s something truly magical about seeing the world through someone else’s eyes—or even viewing ourselves through the lens of a friend. It’s not only safer but can also be more fulfilling.
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Summary: The rise of the “Me Generation” is marked by our obsession with selfies, which while fun, can lead to dangerous behaviors. The trend of documenting every moment is overshadowing the beauty of experiencing life through a broader lens. Let’s embrace the world around us and prioritize safety over likes.