Self-growth
Business & Career
Success
Communication
Healing
Relationships
Psychology
HappinessYou’ll learn
- Why perfectionism might be your worst enemy
- How social media affects the self-view
- How past beliefs influence us today
- About the risks of too much screen time
Table of contents
first KEY POINT
Humans have become so self-absorbed, but there are good and bad sides to this
The obsession with becoming flawless and exceptional has been the motivating force that has propelled humanity beyond the present's limitations. As is, people are eager to progress, which has compelled them to invent and innovate at a breakneck pace. These advancements have simplified daily living considerably, but also made it much more difficult and hazardous. Individualism and perfectionism, being some of the consequences of this desperation, have put humanity on a path to destruction if caution is not exercised.
The high suicide and depression rates among humans are mainly due to the desire to be flawless.
Due to the excessive demand for people to be exceptional, individuals who fall short struggle to cope. Thus, one could ask, is it safe to strive for perfection? This bite-sized synopsis of one of the best-selling books on human psychology has the solution to your query.Will Storr’s writings on human psychology are influenced by his ability to integrate personal experiences and research into his arguments. His perspective on the effect of social media and the Internet on individuals has given a new dimension to self-validation. He thinks that it is all too easy to become caught in the whirlwind of phony lifestyles and showy possessions.The next chapters address the risks of seeking external approval and feeling insecure about one's physique. This information appeals to the intellect and reveals the unsettling reality about society and the shortcomings of social media platforms.
second KEY POINT
The first step to avoiding depression and suicidal thoughts is to agree that life is not always smooth
Human existence is propelled forward by the processes of self and culture. These two processes want for the person to be perfect and for life to be ideal, yet life is not perfect. Life is full of unforeseen contingencies and unplanned situations. Things won’t always work out the way you want it, and that can be very frustrating.Numerous people suffer from various forms of depression, and a significant portion of these individuals consider suicide. Humans are considered to be tough and powerful animals that are always striving to improve, be better, and persevere in the face of adversity. What, therefore, might make someone so depressed that they believe suicide is the best course of action?Debbie Hampton, a 40-year-old woman from Greensboro, North Carolina, died by suicide because she was unable to become the woman she desired. She had seen her parents split when she was 16, suffered from poor self-esteem, and had been referred to as a monkey at school by her classmates due to her gangly appearance. She had sworn to herself that she would never subject her children to what she had endured, but after marrying at 21, her marriage soon fell apart, and she became the single mother she had vowed not to become. Debbie killed herself with a mixture of 90 different tablets because she thought she had failed in life. Unfortunately, there are many individuals like Debbie who have lost hope and think that disappearing is the best way to resolve their issues.
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first KEY POINT
It is human nature to employ the show of power as a way of maintaining respect, fear, and survival
second KEY POINT
The environment in which you find yourself influences your life and the way you look at things
third KEY POINT
Who you become is largely determined by your perception of yourself and how you view others
fourth KEY POINT
Humans have the power to heal themselves, and the supernatural is just a smokescreen for their true potentials
fifth KEY POINT
Being self–absorbed can lead you to the top, and can also lead to your destruction
sixth KEY POINT
The digital era gives rise to a universe of unified ideas that had previously appeared unattainable
seventh KEY POINT
There are no smooth ways to success, and the earlier you realize this, the better
eighth KEY POINT
Conclusion
Related summaries
Frequently asked questions
What is 'Selfie: How We Became So Self-Obsessed and What It's Doing to Us' about?
'Selfie: How We Became So Self-Obsessed and What It's Doing to Us' by Will Storr explores the impact of social media and digital culture on our self-perception and identity. The book delves into how selfies and digital self-presentation affect our mental health and societal interactions.
What are the key takeaways from 'Selfie: How We Became So Self-Obsessed and What It's Doing to Us'?
Key takeaways from 'Selfie' include an analysis of how social media fosters narcissism, the role of external validation in our lives, and the psychological effects of living in a heavily curated digital world. Storr emphasizes the importance of authentic connections over superficial online interactions.
Is 'Selfie: How We Became So Self-Obsessed and What It's Doing to Us' worth reading?
Yes, 'Selfie' is worth reading, especially for those interested in psychology, social media's influence, and contemporary cultural critiques. Will Storr’s insightful writing offers valuable perspectives on self-identity and societal norms, making it engaging for a wide audience.
How many pages is 'Selfie: How We Became So Self-Obsessed and What It's Doing to Us' and when was it published?
'Selfie: How We Became So Self-Obsessed and What It's Doing to Us' is 288 pages long and was published on August 1, 2019. This makes it a reasonably short read for those looking to understand modern self-obsession.
Who is the author of 'Selfie: How We Became So Self-Obsessed and What It's Doing to Us'?
The author of 'Selfie: How We Became So Self-Obsessed and What It's Doing to Us' is Will Storr, a journalist and author known for his deep dives into psychology and human behavior. His expertise lends credibility to the discussions throughout the book.