Taking 'selfies' is a mental disorder?

The Truth About ‘Selfitis’ and the Psychology Behind Selfies

What started as satire in 2014 has taken a strange turn into scientific legitimacy. The term “selfitis”—first coined in a viral hoax claiming the American Psychiatric Association (APA) had declared selfie-taking a mental disorder—is now the focus of serious psychological study. But is it really a disorder?

Let’s separate fact from fiction.

The Satirical Origins

Back in March 2014, a fake article made the rounds online, claiming the APA had classified obsessive selfie-taking as a mental disorder called “selfitis.” It even listed three levels: borderline, acute, and chronic. The post was widely shared and believed by many—despite coming from a satirical website, The Adobo Chronicles.

At the time, the APA made no such declaration. “Selfitis” was not, and still is not, recognized in the DSM-5—the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders used by clinicians worldwide.

Real Science Steps In

Despite its fictional origins, the concept struck a nerve. Later in 2017, two researchers—Janarthanan Balakrishnan and Dr. Mark D. Griffiths—decided to take a closer look. They published a peer-reviewed study titled “An Exploratory Study of ‘Selfitis’ and the Development of the Selfitis Behavior Scale” in the International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction.

Their goal? To see if there was any psychological merit to the idea. And what they found was compelling.

They developed the Selfitis Behavior Scale (SBS), a 20-item questionnaire that helps measure the frequency and motivation behind selfie-taking. Their research identified six core factors driving selfitis-like behavior:

1. Environmental Enhancement – capturing memories or scenery

2. Social Competition – gaining likes and comments

3. Attention Seeking – drawing focus to oneself

4. Mood Modification – boosting one’s emotional state

5. Self-Confidence – feeling better through self-presentation

6. Social Conformity – keeping up with social norms

   
   

Not a Disorder—But Worth Understanding

To be clear, “selfitis” is not a recognized mental health disorder. You won’t find it in medical manuals or hear it diagnosed in therapy. However, the behavior pattern it describes is real—and in some cases, excessive selfie-taking may point to deeper issues like:

• Social media addiction

• Low self-esteem

• Body dysmorphia

• Anxiety or narcissistic traits

Researchers around the world have since validated and adapted the SBS in different languages and cultures, reinforcing its usefulness as a psychological tool—not a medical diagnosis.

The Takeaway

Selfitis may have started as a joke, but it now plays a serious role in the study of modern behavior. As selfies continue to dominate platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat, understanding the why behind them is more important than ever.