"Selfitis" is a genuine mental disorder for people obsessed with selfies
"Selfitis" may sounds like a term you've coined to describe a friend once or twice, but it turns out that the obsession with taking and posting pictures of yourself is a recognised mental condition.
It originally was invented in a spoof news story (the first 'Fake News'?) suggesting that the American Psychiatric Association were close to classifying it as a disorder. Researchers at Nottingham Trent University and Thiagarajar School of Management in India then went on to study the concept. They discovered that "selfitis" definitely exists, and even have a "Selfitis Behaviour Scale" to determine severity.
Borderline- Taking selfies at least three times a day but not posting them on social media.
Acute- Taking selfies at least three times a day and posting each one on social media.
Chronic - Uncontrollable urge to take selfies 24/7 and posting the photos on social media more than six times a day.
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The research was conducted through 200 participants in focus groups, and 400 people surveyed. Dr Janarthanan Balakrishnan from Nottingham Trent University said: āNow the existence of the condition appears to have been confirmed, it is hoped that further research will be carried out to understand more about how and why people develop this potentially obsessive behaviour, and what can be done to help people who are the most affected.ā
Well, we are definitely all at least "borderline" at Glamour HQ...
Rex FeaturesUse a Lumee case for expert lighting
Kim Kardashian, or, The Queen of Selfies, took a shameless one at the Revolve Social Club in LA in August. She went front on for perfect symmetry and used her Lumee light up case. Skills.
Getty ImagesGet one with your squad
... Or even better, your Suicide Squad, as demonstrated by Will Smith here, as he posed with cast and crew from the film.
Getty ImagesSnap your insane beauty look
If your lipstick is as good as Gwen Stefani's, make sure you selfie that sh*t immediately.
Getty ImagesGet one with Craig David
Literally everyone wanted a photo with Craig David at last night's GLAMOUR Women of the Year Awards. What a nice guy.
Getty ImagesBe shameless
Sneaky selfies aren't a good look for anyone and you just end up looking odd on the train. Take queues from Karlie Kloss and be shameless about it.
Getty ImagesBe cautious with the selfie hug
The selfie hug can be both brilliant and dangerous in equal measure. Who hasn't been in a club photo only to be strangled by your drunk mate? If you're the 'hugger' in this scenario, make sure you are considerate, like Naomi Campbell is here. No one wants any selfie A&E situations.
Getty ImagesTry to make sure your selfie companion is looking
It's a staple, but some find this harder than you might think. Maybe next time, Alexa Chung.
Getty ImagesSulky faces are a sure-fire winner
What's up, Irina Shayk? You're at an amFAR party, why the long face? Ohhhhhh, it's just The Sulky Face. We're with ya.
Getty ImagesConsult your team on the selfie 'vibe'
Or yours might end up like this. Is Chris Hemsworth pretending to be asleep?
Getty ImagesUse the front camera for close-up details
The front camera is your best friend if you're wearing particularly amazing makeup, or you know, millions of pounds worth of diamonds like Bella Hadid. Just know that you might have to compromise on camera quality.
Getty ImagesIf you're taking a selfie for a fan, try to get them in it
This one need only apply to famous celebrities. Like Nick Jonas...
Getty ImagesIf you're taking a selfie for a fan, try to get them in it
... you too, Kylie Jenner.
Getty ImagesiPads are not condusive to good selfie-taking
They're too big. Just too big.
Getty ImagesDrunk selfies may cause distress the next morning
Because no one likes looking at their phone after a night out and seeing that you forced a selfie with everyone in the club.
Getty ImagesDuck faces bring the fun vibes
If you want the world to know you don't take yourself too seriously, swap your pout for a duck face. Zendaya still looks hot, though.
Getty ImagesLarge group selfies can be unflattering on the taker
If you're in the scenario where you are taking a larger group selfie and you're at the front, make your angle sky high.
Getty ImagesYou can't go wrong with a smile
Just ask Ciara and Stevie Wonder.
Getty ImagesThe shocked face is underrated
The shocked face doesn't get enough credit. It leaves your selfie peruser with an air of curiosity: what's so shocking, Taylor Swift and Ryan Seacrest?
Getty ImagesSmising gives a sexy allure
Smising AKA smiling with your eyes can really elevate your selfie look. Just ask Zendaya.
Getty ImagesBlue Steel will always win
If you're caught off-guard, go with Blue Steel. It's a sure-fire winner.
Getty ImagesMirror selfies only work from afar
Please only take mirror selfies if you don't have anyone to take a photo of your amazing outfit for you. Or if you have a cool phone case. We're not too sure what Keke Palmer is up to, here.
Getty ImagesThe tongue out face is a good option for difficult angles
For this sort of angle, smiling can cause dreaded double-chin problems, while the duck face just looks weird high up. Make the Pokey Out Tongue Face your happy medium.
Getty ImagesThe mid-laughter face is a winner
As demonstrated by the gorgeous Chloe Moretz, selfies where you look like you're mid-laughter are a good way to show you're having fun. Even if you don't know the person you're taking a photo with.
Getty ImagesStretch out far to include everyone
Group selfies have long been unfriendly to the person on the end. It's just logistics. Sometimes, if you're the photo-taker, it's really hard to angle your phone in such a way to include everyone. Take tips from these guys, who seem to be managing it.
