The No Selfies Day is globally celebrated every 16th of March to draw attention to the negative effects the selfie culture and technology are having on people and societies. In these interviews by KINGSLEY ALUMONA, Juliet Vincent-Obi, Dr Omowumi Okedare, and Aisha Mo
Juliet Vincent-Obi — social entrepreneur; founder, Kidpreneur Africa
How would you compare life growing up without selfies to contemporary life where selfies are a norm?
Growing up, there were no smartphones, just phones to make calls. Growing up without social media was a different experience. We could not easily stay in touch with friends and family who lived far away. Instead, we had to phone or write letters to stay connected. These moments were special. It was not like the instant world we live in now. No selfies. People had their photographs in portraits.
How do you think the No Selfie Day could be celebrated memorably?
Selfies have become a cultural phenomenon because they reveal the basic human desire to feel noticed and appreciated. People take selfies and upload them on social media for likes and comments. I would recommend a public campaign and media conversation on this for people to be more aware of the day and celebrate it without talking about selfies. It can be a day to organise a photoshoot instead. This is something one can enjoy themselves or with friends.
Do you think the selfie lifestyle could affect our personal and social lives?
Selfies are enhanced with lights, filters, effects, and more. As a result, people tend to become confused between someone’s online presence and their real life. A selfie can say a lot about a person, but can also lie about a person. It is easy to be someone else on social media. A selfie can portray if someone is friendly or reserved, kind or mean. Many young teenagers are concerned about how they look or how many likes they get on a post. Online celebrities put on an image of how people should look, creating pressure on young online users.
What message do you have for young people on how to cautiously lead the selfie lifestyle?
People will continue to take selfies. I have noticed that people are increasingly choosing to express themselves by documenting what they find interesting and beautiful about the world around them. If selfies are the preferred form of self-expression for today’s millennials, how would future generations choose to present themselves? My advice to young people is that they should not see selfies as a way to gauge their level of physical attractiveness. Do not let selfie likes and comments diminish your self-esteem, image, behaviour, and character.
moh lend their voices on this matter.
Dr Omowumi Okedare — researcher; programmes coordinator, Women Safe House
Growing up, how did you cope in a world without selfies?
We grew up in the days when there were no camera phones and selfies. You have to go to a photo studio before you take pictures in our days, which was limited to birthdays, special ceremonies and festivities. There was no pressure to capture the most beautiful scenes or shots. Picture was just in plain black and white. Now, times have changed, and the camera is on everybody’s palm, including toddlers. You can take your pictures anytime, anywhere, and any day. People now create more memories with their phones.
How do you think the No Selfie Day could be celebrated memorably?
To celebrate this day, rather than taking your picture, switch the camera on someone, something, or someplace else. You can take pictures of your friends, a stranger, an event, nature, or other scenes. And you may even decide not to take any pictures at all on this day. “Let the camera breathe.” Honestly, it is a good day to do something else rather than take pictures of yourself.
Do you think the selfie lifestyle could affect our personal and social lives?
The selfie lifestyle is already affecting our personal values and social lives. The need to take ‘good’ selfies is one of the bases for the continuous drive by young people to upgrade their phones. Young people judge each other base on the quality of the selfies from their phones and other gadgets. People sit together, each one focused on taking the best selfie shot. Selfies have become a part of our everyday lives, a rule for setting social standards among young people. While it is not bad to keep memories of yourself and days, there is a need to exhibit caution so that you are not dominated by these activities.
What message do you have for young people on how to cautiously lead the selfie lifestyle?
“All things are lawful, but not all things are expedient.” It is not every culture that you must join or do. There is a need to exhibit moderation in all things. There are more fun things to do than taking pictures of yourself. The young age is a time to discover who you are and where you are going. Bond with yourself first, and create memories with friends and families. Build your capacity beyond taking selfies. Any form of addiction derails from good purpose. So, young people should know when to stop.
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Aisha Momoh — programmes coordinator, CAEPOCOM AFRICA
You grow up without smartphones, social media, and selfies. Can you speak on that experience? How did you enjoy it?
Growing up without selfies allowed for a more authentic and present-focused experience. The focus was on forming real connections and living in the moment rather than constantly seeking validation through capturing and sharing images. In contemporary life, selfies have become a daily norm, leading to a shift towards self-promotion and a constant need for external validation. This could result in a more self-absorbed and image-conscious culture, potentially detracting from genuine connections and authentic experiences.
How do you think the No Selfie Day could be celebrated memorably?
People should be encouraged to focus on living in the moment and connecting with others. Events could be organised to promote face-to-face interactions, such as community gatherings, group activities, or workshops. People could be encouraged to partake in hobbies or activities that bring them joy and fulfillment, without the pressure of documenting it for social media. By fostering genuine connections, No Selfie Day could leave a lasting impression on individuals and encourage mindful living.
Do you think the selfie lifestyle could affect our personal and social lives?
Much as social media has made life easier, it also has its disadvantages, which we constantly talk about in our ‘Before You Click’ programme at CAEPOCOM AFRICA. Many young people have ignorantly put out their addresses through selfies thereby exposing them to bad people. It can also create self-obsession, which could lead to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem if the selfies do not receive the desired response. People may become more focused on capturing the perfect moment for a selfie rather than experiencing and enjoying the moment. Also, the pressure to present a flawless image online can create a sense of inauthenticity in our interactions with others.
What message do you have for young people on how to cautiously lead the selfie lifestyle?
While it is fun to document your life and stay connected with friends, it is also important to be present in the moment and not let these activities consume your life. Take selfies in moderation and take breaks to connect with the world around you. Experiences and relationships are more important than the number of likes on a selfie. Balance is key. So, make sure to lead a lifestyle that is cautious and mindful of how you are using technology.
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