Are you a Digital Narcissist?
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The word 'narcissism' is derived from the Greek word for 'greed' or 'self-love.' This term has come to mean an excessive sense of vanity, or self-absorption, in contemporary usage. So, what does this mean when applied to the internet? It means that individuals who possess a tendency toward narcissism can be dangerous to others online. In addition, people who are toxic to other online users tend to fall under the umbrella of narcissism. Therefore, it is important to understand how to identify and avoid these individuals.
A typical definition of narcissism states that it is a behavioral disorder characterized by excessive self-regard and lacking empathy for others. Individuals who lack empathy can be especially dangerous online as they lack any inhibitions. They can make malicious comments and posts without any regard for the emotional well-being of others. Other than their own interest, their online actions have no consequences for them. On the other hand, individuals who are self-centered and lack empathy often present as bullies online. They make cruel comments or post hurtful material without regard for the emotional well-being of others.
When people post comments online that hurt other people's feelings, they are engaging in cyber-narcissism or cyberbullying. Cyber-bullying is a prevalent problem in today's world - many people encounter it online each day. People who are toxic to others online are typically motivated by pride and entitlement; they think that what they say is funny and harmless. However, if someone else reads their posts, they can be seriously hurt by them. Other than the person being cyberbullied, there is little that anyone else can do to stop these actions when it comes to emotional bullying.
Online toxicity is also caused by narcissistic behavior when people seek out other toxic individuals on websites like Facebook or Twitter. These sites are great for socialization but can be problematic when seeking out friends or acquaintances with common interests. Many people use these sites as ways to meet new people with similar personalities and interests as their own. However, many of these individuals are toxic and will post comments or send messages to other users without regard for anyone else's feelings but their own. Essentially, people seek out other likeminded people online, but these sites can become breeding grounds for narcissism when non-narcosocial individuals interact on these sites alone.
Based on the information presented above, it is clear that there are many dangers associated with cyber-narcissism. The internet can be a useful tool for socialization and information sharing, but it's also a breeding ground for dangerous individuals who lack empathy and greediness. To protect yourself from the emotional toxicity present on the internet, you should keep tabs on your friends and followers so you know whom you're interacting with online. You can also prevent toxic interactions by avoiding websites that foster unhealthy attitudes toward others' self-interests or emotional states.
