Tracker Pixel for Entry

​Could social media be Narcissus’ pond?

Editorial | November 26th, 2019

Self portrait - by Sabrina Hornung

I might be stating the obvious when I say the Internet is a weird dark place. One would think we’d be advancing as a society by having a world of information at our fingertips, but unfortunately, it seems to have quite the opposite effect. Instead, it’s more of a Pandora’s box of BS, where facts are treated as fiction, fools are idolized and we become so engrossed with our screens that we’re giving Narcissus and his pool a run for their money.

Narcissus was the namesake of narcissism. He was a hunter in Greek mythology, known for his devilish good looks, and according to legend, he fell deeply in love with his own reflection while stopping at a pool to drink. This led to his demise because once he realized that the love and adoration he held for his own reflection could not be reciprocated he deteriorated and all that was left was the flower now known as Narcissus.

The term “Snapchat dysmorphia” was coined by Tijion Esho, founder of the Esho clinics in London and Newcastle and it is a very real thing according to various news sources.

Unrealistic expectations of selfie culture are known to trigger Body dysmorphic disorder. According to an August 7, 2018 article on medicalnewstoday.com, “Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a mental health condition affecting 1 in 50 people in the United States.” It has been classified as an obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and can cause major depression. This disorder obsessively focuses on one’s flaws. In the ‘90s, we tried to blame this on fashion magazines. Sadly in a world of inconsistent sizing and trying to keep up with the Internet, I’m surprised the number isn’t higher.

In this day and age, it’s believed that selfie culture brought on by Snapchat filters and the selfie editing app Facetune are increasing the desire for plastic surgery, hence the term “Snapchat dysmorphia.” Where individuals actually seek out cosmetic procedures so they can look more like the flawless filtered version of themselves represented on their social media platform of choice -- minus the dog ears and floral crows obviously, but even those filters will tighten one’s jawlines, widen their eyes and mask their skin rendering it flawless. These cosmetic procedures are often referred to as “tweakments -- ” and no, that’s not a South Dakota joke. “Tweakments” are nonsurgical cosmetic procedures, think along the lines of facial fillers and botox injections… oh my!

According to the same article, “A survey referenced by the researchers found that in 2017, 55 percent of plastic surgeons dealt with people who were looking ‘to improve their appearance in selfies.’ Only three years ago, this proportion was 42 percent.”

According to the same article, “A survey referenced by the researchers found that in 2017, 55 percent of plastic surgeons dealt with people who were looking ‘to improve their appearance in selfies.’ Only three years ago, this proportion was 42 percent.”

The intent of this rant is not to poke fun or criticize body dysmorphia but to reflect upon our own self-awareness. It’s impossible to look perfect in an imperfect world. Everyone has bad angles, everyone has lines on their face whether they’re the creases at the corners of your eyes or frown or smile lines. Our imperfections make us unique and beautiful and most notably human, even though it’s hard to see or accept through the superficial instant gratification of our social media-saturated world.

We’re always going to be our own worst critic, it’s just a sad state of affairs when one starts to really think how our media affects our self-image. Do yourself a favor put down your device and as John Strand would say.. “Give yourself a hug.” You deserve it.

Recently in:

By Alicia Underlee Nelsonalicia@hpr1.com Ten North Dakota communities will participate in the nationwide No Kings Day of Peaceful Action on October 18. The grassroots movement is a nonviolent protest against President Trump’s…

By Michael M. Millermichael.miller@ndsu.edu I would like to recognize some of the scholarly Germans from Russia from Canada and USA shared on the GRHC website. There are additional names not included here. If you have suggestions…

Friday, October 31, doors 8 p.m. show starts at 8:30 p.m.The Aquarium above Dempey’s, 226 N. Broadway, FargoThe annual Aquarium Halloween Cover Show is back and it is stacked. And this time there are a limited amount of presale…

By Sabrina Hornungsabrina@hpr1.com At the end of September, downtown Fargo said goodbye to another old friend; the Spirit Room closed its doors, marking the end of an era. The Spirit Room room has been a fixture downtown for the…

By Ed Raymondfargogadfly@gmail.comAnother public health crisis besides guns: lack of empathyThe Sisters of Charity have finally had enough of their Trumper boss, Roman Catholic Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York. One of the most…

By Rick Gionrickgion@gmail.com Holiday wine shopping shouldn’t have to be complicated. But unfortunately it can cause unneeded anxiety due to an overabundance of choices. Don’t fret my friends, we once again have you covered…

By Rick Gion and Nichole Hensenrickgion@gmail.com The wait is finally over. Those who have visited Nichole’s Fine Pastry & Cafe lately know about the recent major additions and renovations that have taken place over the past…

By Sabrina Hornungsabrina@hpr1.com Dakotah Faye is a hip-hop artist from Minot, North Dakota, and he’s had a busy year. He’s released two albums. This summer he opened for Tech N9ne in Sturgis and will be opening for Bone…

By Greg Carlsongregcarlson1@gmail.comNoémie Merlant, working from a script she wrote with Pauline Munier and her “Portrait of a Lady on Fire” collaborator Celine Sciamma, directs herself in “The Balconettes” (the…

By Sabrina Hornungsabrina@hpr1.com Gallery 4 downtown recently celebrated its 50 year anniversary, making it one of the longest consecutively running galleries in the country. With different membership tiers, there are 17 primary…

Press release“Shakespeare with a sharpened edge.” To launch its 2025 – 2026 season, Theatre NDSU is thrilled to team up with Moorhead-based organization Theatre B to perform a co-production of Shakespeare’s “Romeo and…

By Annie Prafckeannieprafcke@gmail.com AUSTIN, Texas – As a Chinese-American, connecting to my culture through food is essential, and no dish brings me back to my mother’s kitchen quite like hotdish. Yes, you heard me right –…

By Sabrina Hornungsabrina@hpr1.comNew Jamestown Brewery Serves up Local FlavorThere’s something delicious brewing out here on the prairie and it just so happens to be the newest brewery west of the Red River and east of the…

By Ellie Liveranieli.liverani.ra@gmail.com When we are sick, all we want is a cure. You go to the doctor, they give you a pill, you take it for a bit, then you are cured. It happens. But unfortunately, it is not always the case. …

By Alicia Underlee NelsonProtests against President Trump’s policies and the cuts made by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) are planned across North Dakota and western Minnesota Friday, April 4 and…

By Vern Thompsonvern.thompson@rocketmail.comMoral accountability and the crisis of leadership  As a recovering person living one day at a time for the last 35 years, I have learned not to judge others because I have not walked in…