The current, growing trend in the world: “Selfies.” This omnipresent word seems to always top the charts of Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. People take out their phones, turn the cameras toward themselves, and take the selfie. But the quality of the picture taken by hand is not always that great; however, when the photographer fixes his or her device to the brand-new Selfie Stick, he or she can capture a great photo!
Ladies and gentlemen, presenting you with the newest innovation – the Selfie Stick. As an extendable rod attached to a phone, the selfie stick helps people to include as many faces as possible in a single photo. Users may connect any device to the stick, including iPhones or even cameras, to ensure that they do not capture any awkward angles or blurry photos.
Social media is replete with people posting pictures with filters, captioning them as “the perfect selfie.” Back in the day, getting autographs from celebrities was considered trendy; today, however, taking selfies is the new “cool.” After all, the most retweeted photo of 2014 remains Ellen DeGeneres’s Oscar photo, which included such famous celebrities as Brad Pitt, Jennifer Lawrence, and Meryl Streep. Looking at the likes and the hearts that selfies garner, it is safe to assume that selfies are the new “autograph” for any occasion.
The selfie-taking phenomenon has inspired many revolutions, including the photobomb phenomenon. As Srinivas Mandyam ‘16 expresses, “Selfies are the best method to include everyone – people who you know and people who you do not know.”
Given that the selfie revolution has gained such great momentum, the selfie stick has become an immediate financial success. The stick just recently reached US waters after becoming a huge hit in Asia. Costing between $10 and $40, the sticks have become so ubiquitous that they now belong in tourists’ purses.
However, at the same time, some critics contend that this invention is an unworthy endeavor. Sanath Nagaraj ‘16 claims that “this device is a waste of money. People can spend their money on other things.” Some think that the selfie stick epitomizes the extent to which people can showcase their narcissistic attitudes, dubbing it the “Narcisstick” and the “Wand of Narcissus.”
Overall, the selfie stick has a mixed reception – some favor it for its convenience, others dislike it for its uselessness. The fact is that our culture worships and adores the selfie. At the end of the day, maybe the selfie stick is just a way to facilitate our freedom of expression.
Isabel DiPalo • Feb 27, 2015 at 2:05 pm
Who ever came up with this idea is a Genius. The way people flock and fawn over fads is comical, and I’m sure the selfie stick will be a hit. I only wish I came up with this million dollar idea.
Jessica Ivanov • Feb 27, 2015 at 12:10 pm
I see more use is using selfie sticks as self-defense weapons, but this was a very well written article. I loved your diction Anu!! Your fabulous writing will soon be ubiquitous: I expect to see this in the next edition of New York Time 🙂
Word Credits: Karen Shen
Kayla • Feb 27, 2015 at 11:55 am
I can imagine Mr. Lee stealing someone’s selfie stick right out of their hands (hahaha). Love the idea of a selfie stick though – great for group photos!
olivia Mertz • Feb 27, 2015 at 11:53 am
I cannot belive selfie is an actual word now. I want bowling once and some person had a selfie stick. I cannot believe selfie is taking over the work
Ben Zhou • Feb 27, 2015 at 11:51 am
I think that the selfie culture actually is beneficial. This can instill a sense of confidence and help promote positive self images. This is beneficial especially since in the modern world, everyone is so caught up in physical appearance.
Ashley • Feb 27, 2015 at 11:50 am
I have seen this “selfie stick” and it’s a bit awkward to watch…. While I think they are a great idea, and definitely something the public will buy, I find it sad that we are so obsessed with selfies. Why do we have to constantly take photos of ourselves? I sometimes feel we do not take time to enjoy life because we are taking so many photos.
Mr. Thorp • Feb 27, 2015 at 11:25 am
Interesting new trend. I wonder how it will expand.
Mr. Thorp • Feb 27, 2015 at 11:24 am
I think this is very cool and will surely modernize taking pictures with friends.
Jenna and Jane • Feb 27, 2015 at 10:36 am
We like taking the selfie stick on vacation
Kunal • Feb 26, 2015 at 10:41 am
I think that the selfie culture actually is very healthy. Some people with anxiety who dislike having their photos taken then have full control over how they look. This can instill a sense of confidence and help promote positive self images.
peyton stein • Feb 26, 2015 at 10:28 am
I cant imagine sporting a selfie stick around in public! Cant wait until the selfie stick becomes normal.
Austin • Feb 26, 2015 at 10:19 am
Sounds like a cool idea
mohamed • Feb 27, 2015 at 11:12 am
I feel as though that selfies are a trend to should be ending very soon. personally, i feel that the creation of this phenomenon is very stupid indeed. At the end of the day, this trend was started by a wacko named miley cyrus and for this reason it should be phenomenon reserved for history than the present.
Sam Siu • Feb 26, 2015 at 10:19 am
I think the selfie stick is really cool!
Tay • Feb 26, 2015 at 10:18 am
Great way of depicting the “selfie”
Cas • Feb 26, 2015 at 9:39 am
Revolutionary! I am not only intrigued but convinced to purchase said “selfie stick”. Though it may possibly infringe on the integrity of my dignity, it is fabulousness.