“Me, me and me! It’s all about me!” The growing level of the “me” mentality is on a steady rise. What is it, who is to blame, and why does it even matter? The “me” mentality better referred to as narcissism is having an abundant amount of interest in oneself and one’s physical appearance. An outbreak of individuals displaying characteristics of narcissism is continuing to grow at a rapid pace. Technology, specifically social media has been seen as one of the main enablers. The increase of this growing problem is important to note because it has potentially detrimental consequences. With the growing advancement of social media, a consumer of the web could easily be enabled to exhibit narcissistic behavior and risk potential consequences of narcissism. …show more content…
The term narcissism emphasizes having an excessive amount of self-admiration and self-love. There are two forms of narcissism; health and unhealthy. Pat MacDonald, a group analytic psychotherapist, distinguishes the difference between the two. Healthy narcissism is the ability to have a stabilized sensibility of oneself consisting of skillfully rebounding from failure and having the capacity to receive solace in relationships. Unhealthy narcissism would then describe individuals who possess an unrealistic amount of self-admiration and often times do not cope with failure nor have stable relations with others (MacDonald 145-146). An excessive amount of unhealthy narcissism tends to lead to a much more severe …show more content…
Leon Seltzer, a clinical psychologist and proclaimed author, warns that common narcissist traits include, but are not limited too; needing excessive amounts of admiration, sense of entitlement, inability to maintain relationships, and lack empathy (Seltzer). Narcissistic characteristics have the ability to be accurately tested by using the Narcissist Personality Inventory (NPI). The NPI was developed by Robert Raskin and Howard Terry, both psychological researchers at the University of California, Berkeley. Since the development, many versions of the test have been made. Mark Young along with three fellow Ph.D. colleagues, explain the structure of the NPI test. Typically, questions have a forced-choice format, encompassing a narcissistic and a non-narcissistic statement. Other formats consist of presenting the narcissistic statements and asking the individual to indicate if he or she agrees or disagrees with that statement. Seven attributes of narcissism evaluated by the NPI consist of: entitlement, vanity, exploitativness, exhibitionism, superiority, self-sufficiency, and authority (Young et al. 41-42). At the end of the assessment, the individual gets a score usually ranging from 1-40, the higher the number the more likely that the individual displays narcissist characteristics. The NPI continues to be a justified form of measurement for
Narcissistic Personality Disorder Arrogance; an insulting way of thinking or behaving that comes from believing that you are better, smarter, or more important than other people. Arrogance is an attitude that can describe any individual with overbearing pride. However, American Psychiatric Association notes that people who are also narcissistic are frequently described as cocky, self-centered, manipulative, and demanding. According to Paul J. Hannig, Ph.D, Narcissistic Personality Disorder is “a pervasive pattern of grandiosity (in fantasy or behavior), need for admiration, and lack of empathy” (Ashmun). By examining the relationships, behaviors, and internal conflicts within, Willa Cather’s Paul’s Case, Paul’s “case” can be diagnosed as Narcissistic Personality Disorder.
"Narcissistic Personality Disorder: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia." National Library of Medicine - National Institutes of Health. Web. 02 June 2010.
According to the Mayo Clinic, narcissistic personality disorder “is a mental disorder in which people have an inflated sense of their own importance, a deep need for admiration and a lack of empathy for others.” Generally people that suffer from narcissistic personality disorder
Unfortunately, this vague definition is more common to the general public than the official definition. This is why people with confidence in themselves are often mistaken as narcissistic. The truth behind it is, narcissism is the slightly less extreme version of Narcissistic Personality Disorder, or NPD. While narcissism is mild enough to be considered a personality trait, Narcissistic Personality Disorder is a mental illness. Individuals diagnosed with Narcissistic Personality Disorder tend to think that they should be held in higher regard than others. These people consider attention and praise their birthright and tend to be easily angered when they do not receive it. Often, narcissistic people are also manipulative and cocky. These individuals are power-driven and usually have a motive for doing something. Unfortunately, most narcissists long for the spotlight, where they can receive the most attention, and will not hesitate to use the people they consider lower than them to reach their
A Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) is a mental disorder in which people elaborate sense of their own importance ("Narcissistic Personality Disorder"). They have a deep need for admiration and have a lack of empathy for others. They also believe they are superior to others and have little feelings but are really
Firstly, what is exactly narcissism? The word ‘narcissism’ was derived from an ancient Greek myth of Narcissus. Narcissus was depicted as a handsome young man who adored his looks very much. Many young maidens fell in love with him but he criticizes them for being too ugly for him. One day, he fell in love with his own reflection in a pool of water. However, he accidentally drowned himself as he tried to touch his reflection. Hence, the word ‘narcissism’ is usually depicted as a personality that reflects excessive of self-love on oneself. Individuals who are narcissistic are usually described as somebody who is selfish, snobbish or proud. This is because narcissistic individual processes information obtained differently than others. They believe that they deserve more than others since they think they are more superior in every aspect. Due to their sense of grandiosity, they will do anything in order t...
Today, our culture demands us to be perfect, thin, powerful, successful, smart, extraordinary, but when people begin to try achieving them, we start labeling them as narcissists. The problem is that it is impossible for anyone to please everyone. Brown defines narcissism as simply a “fear of never feeling extraordinary enough to be noticed, to be lovable, to belong, or to cultivate a sense of purpose” (22). Before giving out labels, it is wise to practice asking ourselves questions to clear the intentions and reasons of someone’s behavior. For example, teenagers posting pictures of themselves online to gain some attention reveals that the culture has taught them that they are as lovable as the number of likes and comments they get on social media. Negative feedback roots into negative thinking about vulnerability and causes them to shut themselves down and never show their real selves again. Encouraging others to believe that they are perfect as themselves, will plant a positive attitude in them and push them to pursue their goals and visions to fulfill their dream of a happy
According to Webber, narcissists are normal people victimized by “an overused label”; in fact, narcissists have healthy egos who “happen to indulge in the occasional selfie, and talk about their accomplishments” (Webber 54). She strategically organizes the quotes of many experts to give a more favourable sense of the word, clarifying that narcissism not only makes people feel good about themselves, but it also boosts confidence and helps individuals “take risks, like seeking a promotion or asking out an attractive stranger” (Webber 55). She also makes the persuasive point that individuals are more narcissistic in their earlier years of adulthood, making an ethical observation that “young adulthood is a time when people are largely free of responsibilities, either to their family of origin or the family they will eventually establish” (Webber 60, 61). These are the times when people are free to pursue an independent life and make independent decisions without the restraints of family to hold them back. Although narcissism is a natural part of an individual’s personality, Webber does point out that, too much of it can become a
Vogel, Carl. "A field guide to narcissism: but enough about me ... what do you think of me? We think we can spot a narcissist--the cartoonish self-absorption, the cast-iron sense of pride and entitlement. Scratch the surface, though, and you find surprises: alluring charm, charisma--and radical insecurity." Psychology COllection Infotrac. Gale Cengage Learning, Jan. 2006. Web. 26 Nov. 2013
Narcissism is synonymous with self-admiration, self-absorption, conceit. One can speculate what makes a person feel so entitled to so much attention and admiration. According to mayoclinic.org, It 's not known what causes narcissistic personality disorder. As with other mental disorders, the cause is likely complex. The cause may be linked to a dysfunctional childhood, such as excessive pampering, extremely high expectations or abuse. Narcissism can start early on in adolescence. Once a child reaches adulthood with narcissistic traits, they walk around like they are they’re the one that holds society together. An example of one person many would portray as a textbook narcissist, Kanye West. Kanye West is obviously a well known rap artist who maintains a personality that is synonymous with cocky and self-obsessed. West feels entitled to world-wide fame and recognition. West went on a radio show hosted by ‘Sway’ of ‘Shade 45’ and proceeded to make wild, compassionate claims about his creative genius; “I am standing up and I 'm telling you. I. Am. Warhol. I am the number one most impactful artist of our generation, in the flesh. I am Shakespeare, Walt Disney. Nike. Google. Now who 's gonna be the Medici Family and stand up and let me create more?” As the reader can tell, West is very passionate and thinks very, very highly of himself. This is a prime example of
Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) is a mental disorder classified in the Diagnostic And Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) as one of the major personality disorders. Narcissistic Personality Disorder, as defined by the DSM-V, is the “pervasive pattern of grandiosity (in fantasy or behavior), need for admiration, and lack of empathy” that typically begins by early adulthood (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). Those individuals who suffer with narcissistic personality disorder often have an inflated sense of self-importance while also displaying other characteristics. Individuals who exhibit five or more of the following traits are often diagnosed with the personality disorder: “(a) a grandiose sense of self-importance; (b) preoccupation with fantasies of unlimited success, power, brilliance, beauty, or ideal love; (c) beliefs of being special and unique; (d) requirements of excessive admiration; (e) a sense of entitlement; (f) interpersonal exploitativeness; (g) lack of empathy; (h) envy of others; and (i) arrogant, haughty behaviors or attitudes” (Skodel, Bender, & Morey, 2013). Those who display these traits often display them in socially stressful ways that affect their relationships with others and interferes with their professional and personal lives.
But what characteristics does a narcisst person have? During the 1980s the first concept of narcissm was define as a person having a strong self-superiority which only cared about themselves. As mentioned in the article “The Narcisst--Give it a rest” politics, democrats, celebrities, and even parents were accused of being narcissts. The author states that a person accusing someone of being a narcisst was like accusing each other and does not understand what the point of that was.
To analyze my level of narcissism, I took the NPI scale. Narcissism can be defined as a state in which one interprets and regards everything in perspective to oneself and not to other people or things in their surroundings. The NPI, comparing attitudes on 40 different accounts, allows you to pick which attitude best fits your person. After completing the test, I scored a 9, which is defined as an “Average” amount of narcissism. I showed aspects of narcissism when it came to having a natural talent for influencing people, on occasion wanting to be the center of attention, being a good leader, being assertive, wanting the respect I think I deserve, being able to read people, taking responsibility for my decision making, and wanting to be a great
Narcissistic personality disorder is condition where an affected person has a superiority complex, or elevated feeling of self worth. These people do not experience much empathy for others, and often suffer problems in social situations such as work, or relationships. In contrast to the grandiosity they may present, under the surface these individuals have very a fragile self confidence and are easily hurt by criticism.
Social media has taken over the world of communication and has changed the ways in which we communicate on a daily basis. It is extremely influential on our lives because of how easily we are able to access these mediums of communication. I’m intrigued by the effects that social media has on people’s perceptions of their self-worth. Almost all of the social networking sites seem to measure, at least to some extent, the popularity level or status of its users. All have a number of ‘followers’ or ‘friends’ which if there’s a high number of followers or friends that seems to elevate a person’s popularity level or their online status. This in turn could make their self-esteem or ego rise, whereas if their follower level is low it may disappoint or aggravate that user. All of these sites also offer areas where followers can ‘like’ pictures or posts, ‘comment’ on these pictures/posts, ‘share’ the post, and what have you. How important are ‘likes’ and whatnot to our actual self-esteem? Do we value online popularity the same way or more than we value real-life interactions? How could this affect the mental health of those who use these networking sites? Is this kind of online community promoting more narcissistic persons in the community? So many questions… I’m not alone in asking these questions. I’m convinced that social media has a negative influence on the self-esteem of its users.