Scientists reveal how taking a selfie creates happier memories than regular photographs
SELFIES create happier memories than normal snaps, researchers say.
Including yourself in the photograph evokes stronger emotions, they believe.
Showing how we looked or felt at the moment a selfie was taken was found to give the picture a bigger meaning.
The findings are from analysis of surveys in which people were asked whether they took a photo to capture a meaning or an experience and then how happy they were with that picture.
Those trying to get to the deeper meaning of a trip, place or event said they were more pleased with photos they had included themselves in.
And those who wanted to document a physical experience were more likely to be happy with a normal camera photo.
Researcher Dr Zachary Niese, from the University of Tübingen in Germany, said: “Sometimes there is derision about photo-taking in popular culture.
“But personal photos have the potential to help people reconnect to their past experiences.”
Prof Lisa Libby, of Ohio State University, added: “Photos with you in them can document the bigger meaning of a moment — it doesn’t have to be vanity.”
Typically, we take more than 450 selfies a year, according to previous studies.
Dr Niese said posting selfies on social media might go deeper than just showing off.
He added: “It appears people are curating images for themselves to look back on the experience or the meaning of the event.”