Is Social Media Turning Us Into Narcissists

Social media usage is becoming increasingly common. Now, over 75% of the world’s population uses some type of social media platform. Reports show that narcissistic personality traits are also growing in young people^[1].

The question is: Are the two related? Are young people becoming more narcissistic due to social media use? Research shows, yes – narcissism and social media use are highly linked. So, what does that mean for you (or your loved ones) and the time you spend on social media?

We break it down below.

What is narcissism?

Narcissism is a set of personality traits that makes someone self-absorbed and self-serving, even at the expense of others. While some levels of narcissism can be normal and harmless, when we talk about “narcissists,” we are referring to people for whom narcissistic traits have reached maladaptive and unhealthy levels.

The term narcissist comes from Ovid’s Metamorphoses, written in the year 8 A.D. The poem tells the tale of Narcissus, a handsome young man who is cursed to fall in love with his own reflection. In the story, Narcissus eventually dies with longing for this object of desire.

The pathology of narcissism has been outlined by psychologists over many generations, all the way back to Sigmund Freud. Pathological narcissism is typically described as having a “God complex” – having an overall sense of superiority, grandiosity, entitlement, and a lack of concern for others’ feelings or needs.

Today, narcissistic personality disorder is included as a psychiatric diagnosis in the Diagnostic Statistical Manual (DSM) for mental health providers.

The symptoms of narcissistic personality disorder include^[2]:

• A grandiose sense of self
• Being preoccupied with fantasies of power, success, brilliance, beauty, etc.
• Believing they are unique and exceptional, and should only associate with other people who are “high-status” or important
• Requiring constant adoration, admiration, and praise
• Having an extreme sense of entitlement
• Manipulating or exploiting others to get what they want
• A lack of empathy for others
• Envy – either feeling envious of others, or believing others are envious of them
• Being arrogant or haughty

There are also at least two subtypes of narcissistic personality, although none of the subtypes are included officially in the DSM or elsewhere. But, in general, experts agree there are two types of narcissism: overt and covert^[3].

People with overt narcissism (also called grandiose or malignant narcissism) have a highly inflated sense of self and a great sense of entitlement. They seek power and control over others and tend to have a complete lack of empathy or remorse. They don’t seem to have any underlying feelings of shame or inadequacy.

This type of narcissist is more likely to have antisocial personality traits and act out in anger or aggression. They frequently become abusive or violent.

People with covert narcissism (also known as fragile or vulnerable narcissism) are defined by underlying feelings of shame. Deep down, they feel inferior, which makes them act out in jealousy or resentment. They tend to be extremely self-conscious and sensitive to rejection and criticism.

These may not sound like narcissistic traits to you, but covert narcissists require attention and praise just as much as people with overt narcissism. They’re just more likely to use tactics like emotional manipulation and guilt-tripping, rather than aggression and violence, to get it.

It’s important to remember that narcissism comes on a spectrum. Not everyone who shows narcissistic personality traits will qualify for a diagnosis of narcissistic personality disorder.