The popularity of selfies has sky-rocketed in recent years.With the development of social media platforms and its higher consumption, as a culture, we have come to obsess over the selfie. Though the selfie has received mixed reactions, specifically with teenage girls and women, the concept of the selfie is one that praises one's self-confidence. As a selfie-enthusiast and supporter, the majority of people post selfies because they feel confident in their appearance. That is something to be revered in society, as opposed to being mocked and ashamed of, with comparisons of ducks and people. In any case, the popularity of the selfie cannot be denied.

         Society's obsession with the selfie began at the arrival of the first iPhone with a front facing camera. Though we are all subject to the affects selfie-culture has made on society, there are those who claim that we live in narcissism. As opposed to narcissism, the arrival of the selfie has spawned a culture of self-appreciation and confidence. Though it has not proven effective for many cases of insecurity, the social acceptance of the selfie has created a society wherein people of all ages can photograph themselves, simply for the sake of photographing themselves. Regardless of whether or not the selfie is seen by others, a culture where a person can freely take a photo of themselves because they were confident enough with themselves such that they were comfortable with doing so, is a society I am pleased to reside.

          Negative effects of selfies are also evident, however, in the publication of specific selfies. Within the past year, there have been numerous accounts of celebrity nude leaks. Though not deemed as the typical selfie, the message is prevalent. Though the photos were never meant to be seen, the self-confidence of those victimized is inspirational. Dylan Sprouse, former child-actor from Disney's The Suite Life...Series, stated on December 16, 2014 from his Tumblr,

"Not exactly ideal, but I’m to blame and I’ll look this incident in the eye like a man. I did it, but I’d be damned if I didn’t own that shit like Beyonce would want me to. " 

     

Expressing none of the slightest bit of shame or regret for the reason he took the photo, Sprouse made a resonating point in his Tumblr textpost, admitting to the incident,

"I’m of the mindset that whoever you are, if you are proud of your body and want to show it off, so be it! You do you. There is an odd taboo with the human form (especially in the USA) and I don’t particularly think its a good thing to teach people that you should 'hide yourself' "

          Another major negative result due to the recent surge of selfie-culture is the correlation of one's self-worth and the number of likes on their published selfie. Though it is trivial until it is personally experienced, the number of likes we receive on a selfie may be damaging to our self-esteem. It is crucial that as a society, and as individuals, we understand that regardless of the likes we receive, our self-love and perspective of ourselves is the only factor that should affect you, or cause you to change. The selfie's present affect on society is imminent. Rather than concede to the negativity apparent throughout the various social media platforms, we take the power of the selfie into our own hands.


          However, perhaps the selfie has dominated social conduct. Regardless of our individual views on culture and society, the selfie is comparable to an infectious disease; no one can escape the power of the selfie. However, there have been a number of establishments throughout the globe who have banned the popular extension to the selfie; the selfie stick. Various reports from CTV and the Toronto Star have documented museums from around the world that have banned the use of the selfie stick. Due to public safety, and the protection of exhibits and artistic pieces at risk, the selfie stick has become outlawed in numerous locations. While this is understandable, due to the distinguished ambiance in museums and galleries, the ban of the selfie stick in typical restaurants and fast-food services is highly unnecessary. Though museums and galleries do not require further promotion through generally classless selfies, unknown and underrated restaurants do require the free promotion that the posting of selfies grant them. Regardless of their fashion, a metal rod with a smartphone attached to the end of it serves no threat to anyone.

          With selfie-culture dramatically changing due to the revolutionary selfie stick, society has yet to see the lasting effects of the selfie. Despite the negativity directed towards selfies, the positive effects of selfies are evident in its rising popularity. As result of the massive acclaim into everyday life, there is less hesitation in taking photos of themselves. There is an entire industry and sub-culture dedicated to the comfort of people taking photos of themselves. With regards to the safety of the selfie-stick; be wary of your surroundings and low ceilings. The more people in the selfie, the better!