Perceptions of selfie takers versus selfie stick users: Exploring personality and social attraction differences

Abstract

This study examined the perceptions of others taking selfies in public, comparing those using selfie sticks with those taking selfies the traditional way, with their arms extended. Perceived narcissism, considerateness, and social attractiveness were the personality characteristics that were compared. Results of an online survey that asked individuals to randomly recall one of these two selfie-taking methods found that only social attraction varied by condition: participants who recalled others using selfie sticks perceived those individuals to be less socially attractive than individuals who used the traditional selfie-taking method. These findings are considered in relation to public perceptions of selfies.