A Proposed Connection Between Social Media and Narcissism

As a doctorate researcher in management, I am intrigued to learn more about the psychology of narcissistic CEO and leaders. While I was acquiring knowledge about the psychology of narcissism and narcissists, I came across a specific type of narcissist which is called a digital narcissist.

Introducing the Digital Narcissist

We are aware that narcissistic individuals are often egoistic and starving for external admiration. According to researchers, there is a substantial link between narcissism and reward-seeking behavior. This is why modern-day narcissists may use social media platforms, such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and many other platforms to self-promote themselves.

Thus, this type of narcissist is a digital or social media narcissist.

Digital narcissists manifest their narcissism through intense behaviors, such as sharing their selfies more frequently than others. They may also share more of their personal life to get the maximum level of attention. In this way, they feed their narcissistic supply on digital reserves.

Identifying Digital Narcissists

Previous research studies shows that grandiose narcissists are addicted to social media. They mostly exhibit their narcissism by spending a lot of time on social media and posting more frequently than the norm.

When it comes to choosing the proper social media platform, different circles of narcissists do it in different ways. For instance, individuals with a high level of narcissistic traits may prefer to use Twitter or similar textual-based platforms.

Additionally, the ones who are highly egotistical may spend their time mostly on visual element sites like Facebook and Instagram.

A Great Inclination for Digital Crimes

Apart from seeking external validation and continuous attention through social media, the digital narcissist may also engage in cyber-bullying and cyber-stalking.

Since narcissists have a strong desire to gain control and power over others, engagement of cyber-bullying and cyber-crimes is more possible. Narcissists may enjoy cyber-bullying as they feel like they are dominating over others, feeding into their sense of power.

Final Takeaways

Digital narcissists perceive influence and popularity as reward-seeking behaviors, especially on social media.

To avoid digital narcissists, we have to learn how to unplug and reconnect with the real world every now and then — to achieve what we don’t have in the real world. Ditching social media may help us spend more time on our own projects, instead of immersed with others with nefarious intentions.

Besides, external validation and attention are not always purposeful or productive uses of time. In this way, we can protect ourselves from the negative influences of digital narcissists.

Most importantly, we have to learn to portray our most authentic selves online.

As Carl Jung, the famous psychiatrist, once famously remarked:

“The privilege of your life is to become who you really are, everything else is banal.”

Thank you for reading ❤

Disclaimer: The original version of this story was published on another platform.

Link to original version: https://medium.com/preoccupy-negative-thoughts/a-proposed-connection-between-social-media-and-narcissism-2815caa6881

References

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Chester, D. S., Lynam, D. R., Powell, D. K., & DeWall, C. N. (2016). Narcissism is associated with weakened frontostriatal connectivity: S DTI study. Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience, 11(7), 1036–1040. doi:10.1093/scan/nsv069

Delgado, J. (2019, July 3). I! I! I! The era of digital narcissism. Psychology Spot. https://psychology-spot.com/digital-narcissism/

Jabeen, F., Gerritsen, C., & Treur, J. (2020). Narcissism and fame: A complex network model for the adaptive interaction of digital narcissism and online popularity. Applied Network Science, 5(1). doi:10.1007/s41109-020-00319-6

Neta, N. (2021, September 29). Social media narcissism in young adults. Newport Institute. https://www.newportinstitute.com/resources/mental-health/social-media-narcissism/

Phil, R. (2019, September 13). Narcissism and social media: Should we be afraid? Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/digital-world-real-world/201909/narcissism-and-social-media-should-we-be-afraid