You know how the timeline goes: you’re getting ready to go out somewhere with a really cute outfit on, your hair is looking on point, your makeup is “on fleek,” and, you’re just really feeling yourself. So, what do you do? Whip out your phone to take a bunch of pictures–you know, to capture the moment. How else are we going to feel good about ourselves when we’re wearing pajamas that haven’t been washed in a week while vegging out on the couch eating cold pizza? Sometimes, we need a little reminder that we can be good looking when we try. While taking the casual selfie every now and again isn’t a huge deal, the need to take them all the time is actually kind of unhealthy apparently–and, scientists are studying the neurological reasons we have become so obsessed with ourselves and photographing ourselves (by ourselves).
According to researchers from Nottingham Trent University and Thiagarajar School of Management, “selfitis” may actually be a neurological and mental condition that has developed in society. Selfitis makes a person, subconsciously, feel the need to photograph themselves and share it on social media due to neurological and emotional issues that are present inside them. The researchers have narrowed it down to “six motivating factors”