Narcissism

Why banning gym selfies could do us all a lot of good

Retrieved on:

Wednesday, February 14, 2024

It’s easy to see why taking selfies could be considered inappropriate in such cases.

Key Points:

It’s easy to see why taking selfies could be considered inappropriate in such cases.
When considered alongside a rise in toxic influencer culture and widespread body-image insecurity, it could be argued banning gym selfies is a positive step.

Self-obsession in the digital age

One of the most famous Greek myths is that of Narcissus, who gave us the word “narcissist”.
This is the tale of a young man captivated by his own image.
Yet research shows narcissism is not only very prevalent in the modern age, in many cases it’s lucratively rewarded.

Gyms push back against selfies

Gym selfies can be tied particularly closely to influencer culture.
Influencers posting gym selfies will typically gain a lot of views and likes, and in some cases may attract mass followings.
Research shows gym selfies can also influence people’s motivations for exercising.
Study participants reported becoming more conscious of their own bodies when they saw gym selfies online.

Self-care in the social media age

And social media are a potent driver of the latter.
This promotes an obsession with self-image and pushes us to reach social media-worthy levels of muscularity or leanness.
Research shows adolescents in particular can have negative mental health outcomes as a result of self-image comparisons on social media.

Exercising for ourselves

At the same time, these individuals wield significant power within communities (both online and offline) and have an opportunity to shape norms around fitness and body image.
It might just be the beginning of people exercising for themselves and nobody else.

Samuel Cornell receives funding from Meta Platforms, Inc. His research is also supported by a UNSW University Postgraduate Award funded by the Australian Government. Timothy Piatkowski is a Lecturer and Researcher at Griffith University. He is also affiliated with Queensland Injectors Voice for Advocacy and Action.

About a third of employees have faced bullying at work – here’s how to recognize and deal with it

Retrieved on:

Wednesday, February 7, 2024

In fact, bullying at work affects up to 30% of workers over time.

Key Points:

In fact, bullying at work affects up to 30% of workers over time.
Manipulation and provocation also play a role in bullying dynamics, and cyberbullying has emerged as a new form of workplace harassment.
However, in the workplace, incidents involving bullying, assault, sexual abuse or other forms of violence are typically addressed through internal investigations.

Workplace bullying results in real harms

Targets of workplace bullying often experience serious repercussions, including stress and burnout, along with other diagnosed mental health issues and, in extreme cases, suicide.
Bullying can affect physical health, with symptoms including sleep disturbances, cardiovascular diseases, body aches and pain, loss of appetite and headaches.

Personality traits of bullies and their targets

Researchers find that bullies tend to have low self-esteem, problems with anger management and even personality disorders.
Bullies often target people based on their appearance, behavior, race, religion, educational background, LGBTQ+ identity or because of perceived threats to their own career.
There’s no hard-and-fast profile, but males tend to exhibit more of the traits associated with bullying.

Are you being bullied?

Feeling constantly stressed, anxious or demoralized are signs that something isn’t right.
Defending yourself against workplace bullying takes courage, but there are steps you can take to diffuse, distance and document what is happening to you.
In the moment when bullying is occurring, focus on trying to keep your emotions in check and avoid being reactive.

If you feel threatened, calmly and politely stop the interaction by removing yourself in a nonthreatening way. As challenging as it can be, the key here is to stay composed and remain respectful.

How to respond to an ongoing situation

Rehearse a bullying situation and practice how you would respond to help you get comfortable using emotional distancing and de-escalation.
Be objective: Note the time and date, what happened, who was present, what was said and how it made you feel.
Your organization should have policies and procedures to support you if you believe you are being bullied at work.
By establishing policies against bullying and fostering open lines of communication, workplaces can create safer spaces that enhance the well-being and productivity of their employees.

The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

Selfies and social media: how tourists indulge their influencer fantasies

Retrieved on:

Saturday, December 30, 2023

Travel, Rickshaw Run, Death, Research, Narcissism, Exhibitionism, Eye, Grand Tour, Wi-Fi, Social responsibility, Social media, Growth, American Express, Television, Time, Aviation, Tourism

Driven by 24-hour access to social media, some tourists now travel primarily to have an experience that looks good online.

Key Points:

Driven by 24-hour access to social media, some tourists now travel primarily to have an experience that looks good online.
Around 75% of people in a recent American Express survey said they had been inspired to visit somewhere by social media.
The expansion of social media and ubiquity of smartphone cameras has had a major impact on tourists’ behaviour.

Looking for drama

Dubai, for example, with its bling culture and high-end shopping, has become a playground for influencers looking for a luxury backdrop to add to their celebrity-style image.
Some tourists aim to photograph themselves in prestigious locations, rather than taking shots of their travel surroundings.
This adventure tourism event encourages participants to dress up, act eccentrically and get noticed.
Many participants film themselves and upload the results to social media, and the events tend to create a significant following.
There are signs that there’s another tourism trend, with travellers looking for deep and meaningful experiences, and ecotourism could help provide those.

A disconnect between self and place

Indeed, the growing number of selfie-related tourist deaths might attest to a disconnect between self and place.
A 2018 report estimated 259 deaths to have occurred while taking selfies between 2011-2017.
For better or worse, living this influencer fantasy may have become an integral part of tourism for some time.

Brendan Canavan does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

Soul App's Social Trend Keywords 2024: Anchoring "Life Coordinates" to Social Connection

Retrieved on:

Thursday, December 28, 2023

Family, HIC, Taoism, Multimedia, Academy Awards, Friends, LEGO, Weibo, Loneliness, Research, Narcissism, Young, Health, Gen, Human, Hobby, Meditation, Anxiety, Animal, Emotion, Social media, Generation Z, Coke, HCI, Exercise, Communication, Life

Considering prevailing trends and its user surveys conducted throughout 2023, Soul has discovered that young people are searching for a sense of belonging from social connection.

Key Points:

Considering prevailing trends and its user surveys conducted throughout 2023, Soul has discovered that young people are searching for a sense of belonging from social connection.
At the same time, social connection is gaining greater importance as an emotional outlet, providing individuals with positive feedback.
The digital space also provides social scenarios where young people can build a diversified social network, complementing the physical nearby.
Heartened by these social trends, Soul App is confident that young people can discover their life coordinates by building meaningful social connections.

What drives people to panic buy during times of crisis: A new study sheds light on the psychology of consumers

Retrieved on:

Wednesday, November 8, 2023

Survival, Paper, Narcissism, Time, Thought, Instinct, Life, Face, Habit, Intention, Embarrassment, Mask, COVID-19, Hand, Public, Snack, Anxiety, Empathy, Uncertainty, Panic, Retail, Hunting, Online shopping, Marketing, Fear

During the pandemic, this took the form of panic buying as people flocked to stores to stock up on essential goods.

Key Points:

During the pandemic, this took the form of panic buying as people flocked to stores to stock up on essential goods.
Some even sought to profit off of shortages by price gouging toilet paper and hand sanitizer.

Psychological traits of consumers

We examined the following factors in our study: narcissism, psychological entitlement, status consumption, fear of embarrassment, and fear of missing out.
Psychological entitlement refers to the belief that one is inherently deserving of special treatment or privileges.

Unique types of consumers

Our study identified four distinct consumer groups, each with unique psychological traits that drove their purchasing habits.
Egalitarians displayed low levels of narcissism and psychological entitlement compared to the other groups.
Egalitarians are the type of individuals who volunteer at local food banks or participate in community clean-up events.
In terms of purchasing, agentic egoists are willing to spend more on items that directly benefit them.
For instance, they might buy the last three bottles of an expensive, brand-name cough syrup, without considering that others might need it, too.

What this means for consumers

If you’ve ever found yourself filling your shopping cart to the brim in a moment of panic, you’re not alone.
Recognizing these traits in ourselves can be a wake-up call, encouraging us to shop more responsibly, especially in times of fear and panic.

What this means for retailers

It’s a way to guide businesses in serving communities ethically and effectively, especially in times of crisis.
For example, if most of your customers tend to follow the crowd (conformists), consider offering reliable public health information in your stores.
As we reflect on the challenges we’ve faced, retailers have an opportunity to plan for a future where their actions benefit not only their business, but society as a whole.

Red Arrows: narcissism, immorality and lack of empathy are behind the dark psychology that can poison elites

Retrieved on:

Tuesday, November 7, 2023

This revelation was the outcome of investigations into complaints of bad behaviour in this elite organisation.

Key Points:

This revelation was the outcome of investigations into complaints of bad behaviour in this elite organisation.
Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton said that “behaviour that would be classed as unacceptable was widespread and normalised on the squadron”.
But just because the Red Arrows display discipline and professionalism doesn’t mean all individual members of the team will have those same characteristics.

Lack of self-doubt

In their entrenched macho culture, women in the Red Arrows squadron were viewed as “property”.
Elites are, by definition, highly selected both in terms of skills and psychological characteristics.
In a military setting, such traits include mental toughness, which can also come with a certain emotional coldness.
As I’ve shown in a recent book, emotional displays and expressions of self-doubt are likely to be highly discouraged among elites.

There may be a genetic component to narcissism, but narcissism can develop within an individual over time – and within a culture.
Narcissists are more likely to switch partners because new partners are always better at giving attention and complimenting them than existing partners.
This was no doubt partly down to opportunity and the undoubted glamour of the role, but perhaps also attributable to this narcissistic need.

Elites trust only those who know the score and who have passed the same rigorous selection tests that they have.
They therefore become harder to influence from the outside, where behaviour may be perceived more objectively.

Moral confusion

This, of course, creates a sense of entitlement and privilege, which can further stoke egos of narcissistic people and affect moral decisions.
The belief that you deserve special treatment and are exempted from certain moral obligations can lead to a skewed perspective on right and wrong.
Their insularity means that they are often surrounded by like-minded people who share similar values and perspectives and encourage this.
These social circles can influence their moral compass by reinforcing certain beliefs and behaviour, without the necessary critique.

Geoff Beattie does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

The Unwoke Market Can Now Quench Their Thirst While Also Enjoying Satire Courtesy of New Woke Tears™ Water

Retrieved on:

Monday, November 6, 2023

Inclusive, Narcissism, Holiday, Water, Beer, Human, Poisoning, Envy, DIE, Multimedia, Coke, Chocolate, DEI, Drinking water, Plant, Animal, Weakness, Humour, Bottled water, Pepsi

CHICAGO, Nov. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- America's boldest and funniest new bottled water brand is now available just in time for the holidays. Woke Tears Water seeks to keep the country hydrated while shaking things up with humor and satire that challenges the status quo. It wants to quench people's thirst for both water and sanity in a world that has seemingly gone mad. The new brand provides a little laugh from all the free jokes that come with it and pokes fun at newly fashionable, yet absurd, opinions and asinine proclamations. It provides a safe space for all those who believe that comedy can save humanity from this Brave New Woke World.

Key Points:

Woke Tears Water seeks to keep the country hydrated while shaking things up with humor and satire that challenges the status quo.
It wants to quench people's thirst for both water and sanity in a world that has seemingly gone mad.
Woke Tears Water self-identifies as the best water in the world and it can only be purchased online .
With the simple act of drinking water – you can now make a statement and contribute to the fight against woke supremacy.

Dizzee Rascal's Boy In Da Corner turns 20 – here's how it ushered in the era of grime

Retrieved on:

Tuesday, August 29, 2023

For the black community – especially its boys and men – it became clear the promise was as empty as Tony Blair’s Millennium Dome was eventually left.

Key Points:

For the black community – especially its boys and men – it became clear the promise was as empty as Tony Blair’s Millennium Dome was eventually left.
In their quest for economic survival, they were still not regarding each other’s lives as sacred.
With no money for advanced music technology, a skeletal sound emerged from the most basic of DIY music tech.
Developed to deliver the reportage of early-2000s east London life contained in his lyrics, grime was perfect for his urgent, high-pitched, staccato delivery.
Read more:
25 Years of Garage review – music documentary falls prey to the same mistakes that killed the scene
His first album, Boy in da Corner, is celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2023.

Boy in da Corner’s track list

And it’s the same old story, Ninja bikes, gun fights and scary nights.
And it’s the same old story, Window tints and gloves for finger prints.
Stop Dat is an energising rap battle track.
Boy In Da Corner made young black men and boys feel seen.
The rapturous reception Da Boy In Da Corner received from both the estate and the establishment illustrated that black British stories (and therefore black British lives) were important.

How platforms like Airbnb turn users into narcissistic entrepreneurs

Retrieved on:

Wednesday, August 2, 2023

When browsing Airbnb listings for a weekend getaway, you would not only check cottage amenities but also scroll through previous guest reviews.

Key Points:

When browsing Airbnb listings for a weekend getaway, you would not only check cottage amenities but also scroll through previous guest reviews.
And if you put up your house for rental on the same platform, you would scrutinise prospective guests beforehand.

Controlling online transactions between strangers

After all, there is no way online platforms such as Airbnb, Turo or Uber (the so-called sharing economy) can control each and every transaction.
This is why, to maintain trust in their platforms, they decentralise control to users.

Airbnb: a “netnography”

And what we found wasn’t a happy, touchy-feely “community” (the official Airbnb term for its collective of users) engaging in the so-called sharing economy.
Peer-to-peer platforms provide users with a structure to assetise and maximise the value of private belongings and skills on marketplaces.
The public, overwhelmingly positive, evaluation system extends the mere review process and encompasses profile setting, and photos’ posting for instance.

The rise of narcissistic entrepreneurs

This embodies transactions and anchors the use of the platform to a seemingly virtual community.
So in a subtle way, the object of the evaluation shifts from the service to the user’s own worth.
Still, the comments are outwardly positive, but users place subtle hints that can alert the rest of the community, without the risk of appearing overcritical.

How Airbnb reproduces class biases

We conclude that reviews are material to make sense of the self and an opportunity to show an ideal projection of the self.
Digging deeper into the subtleties of the process, we explain that users also make sense of themselves through the fellow users they select by decoding weak signals in reviews.
As a guest, Violet explained that when selecting accommodation, she seeks a comparable neighbourhood to her own.

Blatant discrimination

In stark contrast to this appearance of tolerance, many users exclude others based on racist or sexist considerations.
They end up discriminating more or less consciously based on social, racial or class grounds (spelling errors, racial stereotypes, perception of a guest’s home city as crime-ridden, etc.).
Behind the facade of community, online evaluation processes push users into schemes of social reproduction.

Cheap and optimal control

Therefore, compared to evaluation in a corporate context, evaluation on peer-to-peer platforms guarantees cheap and optimal control.
It is decentralised to users, and builds on reciprocity and narcissism so as to secure the fluidity of transactions without fuelling competition between users.

Manipulative, distrustful, self-serving: how to deal with a Machiavellian boss

Retrieved on:

Thursday, July 20, 2023

You won’t get paid for the extra hours but you’ve been assured there will be kudos from senior management.

Key Points:

You won’t get paid for the extra hours but you’ve been assured there will be kudos from senior management.
A Machiavellian personality is self-serving, opportunistic and ambitious – traits that can help them attain positions of power and status.
Working for a Machiavellian boss is likely to be infuriating, stressful and bad for your mental health.
By understanding what drives this personality, and how it differs from the other “dark personality traits”, you can limit the fallout.

Origins of Machiavellianism

Niccolo Machiavelli (1469–1527) was a diplomat in Florence during a period of power struggle involving the powerful Medici family.
When the Medicis returned to rule the city in 1512 after almost two decades in exile, he was briefly imprisoned and then banished.
“The lion cannot protect himself from traps,” it says, “and the fox cannot defend himself from wolves.

Joining the ‘Dark Triad’

However, while the three traits are lumped together due to their antisocial qualities, there are important differences.
Narcissism is a set of traits as well as a personality disorder, characterised by egoism, self-absorption and the need to feel superior to others.
Psychopathy is also a diagnosable personality disorder, defined by lack of empathy or conscience.
The boss who assures you they have your best interests at heart might just be telling you what you want to believe.

How to deal with a Machiavellian boss

A Machiavellian boss may seek to manipulate
with flattery or bullying, promising reward or threatening punishment.
So how to deal with a Machiavellian boss?
The first lesson is to be clear about what drives a Machiavellian personality.
You can’t trust a Machiavellian, and need to deal with them cautiously.
But distrusting your boss and operating with a “strike before the other does” mindset will, if you’re a relatively normal person, be emotionally draining.