The widespread craze for selfies is no longer just a social media trend—it is now being recognised as a psychological condition known as Selfitis Syndrome. This emerging phenomenon, which affects individuals across all age groups, involves the compulsive urge to take selfies, post them online, and repeatedly check for reactions, leading to significant mental health consequences.
Research by the American Psychiatric Association classifies this behaviour as Selfitis Syndrome, commonly referred to as “selfie fever.” The study highlights the syndrome’s adverse impact on mental health, including increased risks of anxiety, depression, attention deficits, and body dysmorphic disorders.
Dr. Jaya Nawani, Head of the Psychiatry Department at Doon Hospital, explains that Selfitis Syndrome manifests in three distinct levels.
- Mild Selfitis: Individuals take up to three selfies a day but do not post them online.
- Acute Selfitis: Individuals take at least three selfies daily and upload all of them on social media.
- Chronic Selfitis: Individuals take six or more selfies each day, upload them online, and check for reactions obsessively—often every few minutes.
According to Dr. Nawani, this compulsive behaviour leads to serious mental health issues. Patients often exhibit symptoms like anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, poor attention span, and increased aggression.
Mental health professionals urge people to be mindful of their digital habits and the psychological impact of constant validation-seeking through social media. As the digital age deepens its roots, the fine line between casual engagement and psychological dependence continues to blur—raising the need for greater awareness and timely intervention.
