L. Malita
The Selfitis Behavior Scale (SBS) is a psychometric tool developed to assess the phenomenon of "selfitis," which refers to the compulsive taking and sharing of selfies. This behavior has gained increasing attention in recent years, reflecting broader trends in social media use and the quest for social validation among younger demographics. The significance of the SBS lies in its ability to provide insights into the underlying factors contributing to selfitis, including age, gender, and socioeconomic background, which are an important part for understanding the impact of this behavior on mental health and self-perception in a digital age. The main issues identified through the literature review include the multi-dimensional nature of selfitis, its links to self-esteem and social media addiction, and the ongoing debate about its classification as a behavioral issue. This investigation, based on the analysis of a survey administered particularly to Romanian students from West University of Timisoara that are studying Selfies as an academic discipline, aimed to explore the prevalence and characteristics of selfitis. The survey results, even when interpreted descriptively, point towards similar complexities within the Romanian student sample: varied motivations (as per SBS items), differing intensity of engagement, and nuanced personal opinions versus perceived societal attitudes. Further research with direct data access to other students and more diverse methodologies will be recommended for a more comprehensive understanding and for developing effective support strategies.
Keywords: Selfitis, Selfitis Behavior Scale, Romanian students