Tag Archives: poor self image

four photographs of woman with doubtful and happy expressions

Why do we think critically of ourselves?

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Why do we think critically of ourselves?

Is it a key instinct of being human? Were we born with it? 

Could it be considered a waste of time.

Could it be viewed as bad for our health.

Let’s take a look at why we do this and whether it serves us well… or not.

We always look to grow and improve and as humans, we have that ability for self-reflection. It can serve several developmental purposes. Though it can also become unhelpful, even destructive, if allowed to turn into harsh self-criticism.

Are we able to separate when it’s useful and when it’s not?

How do we separate a healthy view of who and where we are in our lives – and a negative self destructive thinking? Is it built in as part of our evolution or learned behaviour as we grow?

A while back I wrote a blog on – What do you think when you see yourself in an image?

There are quite a few parallels with this blog and my previous scribblings, if you want to dip into that blog again.

Our Growth and improvement:

Things we can use our self observation and evaluation for:

  • Learning from mistakes
  • Adjusting our behaviour
  • Social survival 
  • Repair conflicts
  • Maintain status and belonging

Some of these things we will do subconsciously. We wouldn’t change or improve much without some way of giving ourselves feedback. We’ve evolved to understand how we are perceived by others and whether we get that perception right or not. It can be quite complex. 

But I’ve not referred to being critical in the any of above, so let’s consider it as constructive behaviour and thinking. 

When does is turn against us and start being harmful?

A few things that as a photographer I hear and see in people I’m working with:

  • Not being good enough
  • Comparison with others
  • Comparisons with perfection
  • Fear of not fitting in with our peers
  • Self criticism of identity
  • Fear of rejection

We’re really launching an attack on ourselves with these thoughts. We always look to lay ‘blame’ towards self when things don’t go according to plan or, perceived as not good enough. These thoughts are really not who we are, but can become ingrained, as the normal way to react. 

They really can become a bad habit. Often caused by a lack of self confidence and self belief. But we don’t have to let go of our values, by giving ourselves an easier time… by forgiving ourselves. It doesn’t stop us, deciding to choose differently next time.

I’m adding links to two other blogs, written a while ago, that again have parallels to this subject:

Body parts in photographs

Social Media, Advertising and our self esteem.

If someone judges you, do we blindly believe them or make our own decisions according to what they’ve said? There is a very true phrase, that we cannot change or control what others say to us. But we do have control over how we react. 

Can we learn to have a better view of who we are ?

Yes we can definitely cultivate this as part of our thinking. Blame doesn’t have to be dished out every time something goes wrong. As I mentioned, learning to tell ourselves that we can choose differently next time is a great strength to develop. 

Is it something you’ve ever given thought to?

After writing this, it’s a subject that could have had pages and pages written on it – but I’d love to hear your thoughts.

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Images of unhappy people not enjoying being photographed.

Social media, advertising and our self-esteem

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Social media, advertising and our self-esteem.


Powerful influences, invisible by their constant visibility!


If you have phones, tablets, computers and TVs, you’re exposed to advertising and social media.

Yes, we can create ‘free’ accounts on all the various platforms, in return for placing adverts and ‘sponsored’ or ‘suggested’ postings in our viewing. Algorithms cleverly watch what you view and search on, to tailor the adverts and posts you see. But how aware are you of the effects of social media, advertising and our self-esteem? 


Should the very word ‘influencers’ on platforms such as Instagram and TikTok ring alarm bells?

 

What’s this got to do with photography and getting in front of a camera?

Well quite a lot really – mainly in the way it influences how people see themselves in an image.

I’d love to say I see as many positive comment as negative, but I don’t. However, I’ll let you be the judge of that in comments you see and read on your own platforms.

Is all advertising and social media bad?

Definitely not – there are many things we see or search on, that are useful to us and just what you need in your personal or business life. People can also be very supportive of each other in images they see of their friends and loved ones. So I’ve become quite an observer of these influences and the way they operate.

But it’s a lot to do with how easily you are influenced?

This is what I often observe:

  • Are they trying to make me feel bad about myself in order to sell me something?
  • Are they using urgent time scale pressure, so I will make a quick decision to buy/commit?
  • Are they using sensationalism or ‘click bait’ to draw me in?
  • Are they using peer pressure, so I will want to be part of that gang or tribe?

I use the word ‘they’, because there are humans who make decisions on marketing strategies. The algorithms, mainly collect the data they want to know about on peoples behaviour – that includes you.

I could go on…

What’s the damaging end result in amongst all this, if the above list works?

People, thinking they should be more like this that or the other, or have this that or the other, because they are led to believe they will then be a better person, or, accepted and ‘fit in’ to society.

I hope you get an idea of what I’m observing here. People can be subconsciously influenced to have a poor image of themselves, for no good reason! However, it’s something I both hear and observe in many who come to work with me. Yes, I include myself in that as a younger person, when I hated my photograph being taken. A lot of it was to do with my own self-esteem and how I viewed myself.

At this point I’d like to share a very relevant and current You Tube video from Dove:

Dove Self-Esteem project video.


Realising if we are to truly be in charge of our own lives and the decisions we make, for the sake of our own mental health, awareness of these influences is absolutely key.

Yes there are many plus points having the technology to connect with each other and, have easy access to important information so freely. However many in society are being blindly led in a direction these influences want them to go and most of us are exposed to this much of our waking day.

Remember it is you and you alone who are in charge of your life.

You can be in control of what you see and hear. Be aware of what influences your life. Others will respect you far more for being your own person.

So, how aware are you of the effects of social media, advertising and our self-esteem?


Do you want to be in charge, or be influenced?

 

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