What Are the Four Waves of Selfies?

TL;DR

Selfies have evolved through four distinct waves: from unintentional self-representations in prehistoric art to intentional depictions in ancient cultures, then to camera photography that improved accessibility, and finally to the modern social media phenomenon. Each wave reflects our evolving relationship with self-portraiture and technology, ultimately shaping how we share our identities today.

Transcript

hey Vsauce Michael here on July 1st of 2015 a long-standing ban was lifted visitors were finally allowed to take selfies at the White House this is the first legal selfie ever taken on a White House Tour but a year before the ban was lifted in February of 2014 I met with the president and secretly took an illegal selfie while on the toilet In The W... Read More

Key Insights

• 🤳 Self-resemblances, intentional or unintentional, have existed since ancient times, with ancient Egyptian sculptures and paintings serving as early examples.
• 🤳 The invention of photography in the 19th century revolutionized self-portraiture, making it more accessible and accurate.
• 😮 The term "selfie" was coined in 2002 and became popularized with the rise of social media platforms like Myspace and Facebook.
• 🤳 Selfies have evolved to become a cultural phenomenon, allowing individuals to capture and share their self-images on a global scale.

Questions & Answers

Q: Who created the oldest known self-portrait?

The oldest known self-portrait was sculpted by Beck, Pharaoh Akhenaten's first Chief Royal Sculptor, more than 3,000 years ago in ancient Egypt.

Q: When did the term "selfie" first come into use?

The term "selfie" was first used on September 13, 2002, in a post on Dr. Carl's self-serve science forum by an Australian named Nathan Hope.

Q: How did selfies evolve with the invention of photography?

Photography allowed for faster and more accurate self-portraits, and the first wave of selfies transitioned into intentional self-depictions captured through the camera lens.

Q: How did social media contribute to the popularity of selfies?

Social media platforms, such as Myspace and later Facebook, provided a means for people to easily share and showcase their self-portraits, leading to the rise of the fourth wave of selfies.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The video discusses the concept of "first wave selfies," unintentional representations of oneself found in prehistoric human footprints and mental images of animals.

• The second wave of selfies began with intentional self-depictions, such as ancient Egyptian sculptures and paintings by artists like Jan Van Eyck and Judith Leyster.

• The invention of photography in the 19th century ushered in the third wave of selfies, allowing individuals to capture self-portraits more easily and accurately.

• The fourth wave of selfies, as we know them today, emerged with the popularization of social media, where people use smartphones to capture and share self-images.