‘Selfie: a photograph that one has taken of oneself, typically one taken with a smartphone or webcam and shared via social media.’
I feel vaguely uncomfortable about selfies. Sure I’ve taken and shared a few but the phenomenon feels connected to the wider social issue, the self involvement of the modern social world which makes me feel a bit icky. I feel as though we’ve become so turned inwards that we are missing the bigger picture. Occupying our brains with the latest viral video, beauty haul, or perfecting the Instagram pic means there must be less energy left for looking outwards beyond the superficial. Don’t misunderstand I’m not saying these things are bad, or that I don’t participate (I do, every day) but underneath it I’m feeling a little bit like perhaps putting our heads into the virtual world takes us away from looking at the sky and recognising our place in it all. Make sense?
So when it comes to the big real life moments I’m making a point of putting the smartphone away. Laughing with my children without being concerned that I’m missing an Instagram moment. Sharing a joke with Mr Purple without needing the share it with the world. This weekend holds one such day, Sunday is Father’s Day and I definitely want Mr Purple to feel the love from our family all day long because he is an amazing Dad.
Father’s Day gifts should be personal, thought about, and given with love. Which also means they can be hard to buy. If you’re looking for unusual gifts for Father’s Day internet shopping is a good way of shopping without having to take children to crowded shops and suffering the inevitable stress that this causes. Qwerkity is a great place to check for unique gifts for all occasions.
Selfie sticks, the most recent addition to the trend, worry me less. Thats mostly because whenever I see one they make me giggle. That said having tried to take a selfie with my children I have discovered that it’s particularly tricky unless one has especially long arms. So when I was offered a selfie stick to give away I decided to go with it, partly because it gave me an opportunity to voice these thoughts that have been buzzing around my head and bothering me. So having shared my thoughts I’m basically hoping to keep my selfie loving friends and readers by giving them a chance to perfect their selfies with a fantastic selfie stick with a bluetooth remote.
Win a selfie stick;
To win a selfie stick with bluetooth remote enter by answering the following question in comments, and filling in the giveaway box below to let me know you did so.
‘What do you think of selfies? Do you like taking them and if so why?
There are also some ways to get bonus entries also using the giveaway box to follow instructions and follow me on my social channels.
i dont like taking selfies i think it makes me look odd because of trying to look at the camera!! the kids of today do it like its 2nd nature – aaaagh feel so old sometimes!! x
I like taking them occasionally with my kids, because I’m usually behind the camera! I want them to see snapshots of mom too when they are older.
I’d love a selfie stick – keep meaning to get one but never quite getting round to it 🙂
I’d love a selfie stick – I keep meaning to get one and then never get round to it 🙂
I love the occasional selfie when travelling on my own, to show my Facebook friends what I’m up to.
I do think so-called ‘selfie sticks’ have had a bad press. They do need careful use to make sure they aren’t impeding other people, but I think too many people belittle other people’s enjoyment.
Anyway, I don’t think they should be called ‘selfie sticks’. You don’t need a stick to take a selfie, most people’s arms are plenty long enough! Where they come into their own is for group shots, where you want to remember happy times with friends, without having to grab a stranger to take the picture for you. So I think they should be called ‘groupie sticks’ 🙂
I don’t generally take selfies myself, I feel self conscious in ‘normal’ photos, never mind selfies where I feel like I have to pout or pose.
Yes I like to take selfies. It shows how im feeling at that moment and can help me look back and remember things.
Yes because I want us all to be in the photo sometimes! Unfortunately my arms aren’t that long so a selfie stick would be fab!
I don’t take many selfies of myself but my four little ones take hundreds! Kids are so much more vain when they are young!
Hate them – only ever taken two but my daughter would love this !
fandabidozy giveaway
I don’t like taking selfies because I am not very good at it but a selfie stick would help me to take better pictures.
Love taking selfies but am not very good at it. A selfie stick would help a LOT!
The constant taking of selfies is rather narcissistic isn’t it?
I like taking them if im not on my own in them lol
Hate selfies but my kids love em. Pouting all over the place.
My daughters are always taking selfies so this would be perfect for them
I have a poor memory, so selfies are a good way to remind me of my days xx
I like taking selfies because i trust them more than mirrors haha, i can look in a mirror and think i look fine and then take a picture and think AHHHH!!! haha
i would love one so i can take a picture of me and my kiddies together
Selfie sticks are a fabulous invention!
Never done it so looking forward to trying
i CAN NORMALLY NEVER TAKE A SELFIE I CAN NEVER IT IT RIGHT HEHE
I do like the occasional selfie, especially with the kids if we are away and we send a picture to their nan and grandad to show were having a good time! A selfie stick would help us get some more of the background in!
not me but my son is always doing it
Selfies are fine for me, if i’m alone, in a room, where nobody can see me! But I can’t bear the thought of taking a picture of myself in public where people may potentially see me, I cringe so bad.
Even when my friends ask for a photo with me in public, I die a little inside. I’m trying to change and be less of a selfie/photo-phobe. Hoping to win this to take on my holiday to Santorini with me and challenge myself to take lots of selfies! EEEEEEK.
I usually dont like photos of myself but im trying to get better 🙂
No, but my younger sister is obsessed with selfies!
I do – I can take as many as I want until I get one that I actually like!
I am not conceited enough to take selfies, so you won’t se any of me 🙂
I think selfies are great. I have been looking for a dress for a wedding I am to attend and I took photos of wearing the dresses I liked to see which one look the best.
Taking selfies is a great way of remembering moments when no one else can take the pic for you. We take family selfies and it’s so fun to share them with the rest of our family
I rarely take selfies without the kids, but with a selfie stick getting the camera further away from my face might help!
Sometimes, it depends on my mood and how good I’m feeling!! I like taking selfies with friends and family though – they always make me smile 🙂
The only time I like taking selfies is when there is someone else in it with me. Usually my daughter! then I am ok, on my own I just feel silly 🙂
Only if I am dressed up (makeup) otherwise i seem to look awful!!
not particularly, i,m quite offensive to the eye 🙂
I don t take selfies as I never seem to ‘fit’ on but with a selfie stick it will be much easier.
never had one before- they look fun
Yes when I’m messing about.
Never taken one myself, but my stepdaughter constantly is taking selfies
I find it hard and they always turn out awful.
I really need a selfie stick, I’m always taking selfies with either my kids,hubby or my friends 🙂
I don’t as I look old and crinkly – unless I’m drunk and out with friends, but my daughter does
I take them occasionally if I want to capture something specific.
Yes I like to take selfies
i do like taking them but only if they have the kids or my partner in them lol
Need a better camera on the front of my phone to start liking them
I don’t like taking them but I do when with my husband and boys… sometimes its the only way of getting photos of us all together/me and the hubby
I hate taking them! I always have trouble knowing if I am in the frame or in focus and trying to hold the phone just right so I can hit the screen and take a shot. You always end up pulling faces because you are concentrating too hard 🙂
a self ie stick would be great to use to get me and the kids in the one pic cause it’s really hard to get them to settle long enough! thanks and good luck everyone
no but then i hate having my photo taken, unless i’ve had a few too many and then I really shouldn’t be taking them x
I like taking them with my 3 year old just to see her hilarious expressions 🙂
I hate them but I’m overcoming it! I struggle with the camera and I am just not used to it. However I’ve ended up getting more used to it just to enter various photo competitions! This week though I’ve just got hold of my first ever smartphone and I’d have to say that the camera is incredible and its no wonder people get addicted to selfies!
No, I’m most probably classed as an old foggy now
I don’t like taking selfies. I would give it to my dad for his birthday.
Yes, of me and my little boy
I am partial to the odd selfie, however I think people can take it too far and post one too many on their faceboo/instagram…. and they literally all look the same lol
I don’t really take selfies but my kids love to.
I love talking selfies because I can see what I look like in different ways 🙂
I do take selfies but have to visiting nice places and have others in it like the kids
Occasionally! My teen does more so! LOL
No, don’t like seeing or hearing myself
I take a terrible selfie but hoping the selfie stick will improve them
I occasionally took selfies with friends when I was in college (back in the late 90’s when you had to use film cameras without preview screens). It’s so much easier now, but I feel kind of silly taking them. I think it’s really a trend for an age range I’ve passed.
love taking selfies 🙂
I’m in no way vain, but I have got to go with the flow
It’s a perfect way to create memories and photos can be cherished forever therefore family members also have pictures of you happy and enjoying lfe
Never taken one but the other half does
I do love a good selfie It always gives my self esteem a boost when I post a selfie online and receive lots of nice comments from friends 🙂
I don’t, I would give this to my girlfriend
I do’t, but my son does. He says he will always remember the people he has met
I HATE taking selfies but my stepdaughter is obsessed! Would give her the prize if I won 🙂
They are great for getting more of the scenery in when you are on your own.
I take them with my nieces and nephews, it’s fun and a great way to capture happy moments
I love taking selfies cos then everyones in the pic instead of someone being left out
they are fun and i enjoy them greatly
My daughter would love this
I’m not a massive fan of taking photos of myself but I do LOVE taking photos so this would be perfect!
I don’t really take selfies, but with 4 teenagers in m y house they are always duck lipped with the phone in there hands …
I like taking them when I’m going out. It gives me a confidence boost.
Yes, try and take selfie’s so that I can be in the family photos as well.
I like taking family pictures with me in them! Good mementos!
Yes because I can choose how I look in it and be more prepared – no closed eyes!
My grandson would love this.
No I always look rubbish in any photos but my daughter loves it so this would be gifted to her
i don’t mind taking selfies but I can never get a natural looking one
I quite like taking them – better than asking someone and getting a bad photo!
I like selfies because if they are bad I delete them before others can see them!!
I like taking selfies because I can keep trying until I get a good shot ! I always look awful in photos taken by other people 🙂
Im the paparazzi in our house so a Selfie stick would be great I might just be able to get in a few 😉
I love taking selfies
i like taking selfies because nobody else takes my photo!
When my kids are in them and also when I’m drunk.
I’m not a fan of selfies but thats mainly because I am not a fan of photos of me
I don’t like take selfies but my daughter is forever taking them!
like taking them when i have my grandaughter
Hmm not by myself, but i do like them with a group of people!
I don’t generally like them, but like taking them pulling funny faces with my kids.
i like to take a couple, but usually when i have had a few to many lol.
only silly ones with the kids
Not really, never like the way I look as it always seems forced and unnatural.
Depends on who I’m with or how I look – sounds vain but I do like to with something fascinating in the backdrop 🙂
I don’t like taking selfies but my son does, he takes selfies all the time
I take selfies of me and the boyfriend when we’re away together, but I don’t like taking them just of myself! 🙂
I only really take selfies when me and my hubby are on holiday and there’s no one around to ask – they always look rubbish though so a selfie stick would be fab!
No, I don’t even like pics of me so a selfie is a no no
I love taking Selfies 🙂
I like taking selfies but never know how to do them properly
You can’t beat a good Selfie! … A ‘Snap’tastic way of capturing a spontaneous moment!! … ‘lens’ itself to fun and frolics!!!
I don’t like taking them, but the kids all seem to be obsessed with it these days, I don’t know why as they end up at silly angle they look ridiculous!
I do like, mostly because I can see how I look on the picture and take one when I’m ready 😀 Everybody wants to look gorgeous 😛
I take some bit my arms do not seem to be long enough the take a good enough picture
No I don’t like taking selfies as they always look awful. I am hoping things would improve with a selfie stick
I am 50/50 on the whole thing. I like to take a selfie when I am dressed up as I don’t get out much and if I am with friends.
Thanks for the chance to win a great prize & good luck all!
I love it, I’m always taking silly ones!
Not very often but when I do its so I can show off on FB. Also it can make a flattering photo.
My Daughter loves taking selfies so I’d give it to her!
I don’t really like taking selfies, I always look weird. I’m entering this for my partner 🙂 x
I don’t mind if it gets everyone in the pic 🙂
I don’t mind if i’m with my granddaughters, but close up I look about as old as I am! That will never do! I’m sure using a selfie stick would take years off me! And cheaper than botox! 😀
Only with my daughter 🙂 x
Yes, love them! Especially when I get a great background behind me!
Have to admit I’m not a big selfie taker but it would be great for taking pics of me fur babies 🙂
Sorry this is my right email addy
Would love to win one of these to take on holiday with me in August to Egypt. Good Luck every one
Yes as long as I can get the right angle
I try my best but have really short arms!
I don’t like selfies. I don’t like my chin.
Im not a selfie fan but my son is obsessed! I had to buy him his own phone as he kept filling mine up with pictures of himself in various poses
I don’t like taking selfies of myself but enjoy taking them with other people around me like family & friends 🙂
I never look good – but I have heard that you can get a better shot with a selfie stick!
I normally only take them with my children, they love doing it
Sometimes, if I want a photo where you can’t see my chins!
Not usually, I’m a bit camera shy!
No I don’t take them but my niece does and would love this prize 🙂
i dont do selfies
Not a big selfie person but did get a family one at the weekend
I only like them when my little girl is in them with me : )
I do a lot of selfies especially when am out with friends, such as theme parks 🙂 xxx
I generally only take them when being silly 🙂
no su much selfies – I love taking groupies, xx
makes for a more fun photo than asking someone to take a straight up photo of you.
i hate them but my doughter takes thenm al the time
I don’t do selfies myself but my friends daughter is always taking them and I’d love to win this for her
I don’t mind as long as there are others in the pic too!
I take less selfies nowadays of just me on my own but always take them of me & my children. I love taking photos of all of us together and wouldn’t be able to half the time if I couldn’t do it myself!
I hate taking selfies because I’m too old – I’d love to win this for my daughter, who is forever doing it!
Nope, I really don’t like having photos of me being taken, even if it is taken by myself
I love taking a good selfie! Boots my mood and self-esteem 🙂
I bloomin love a selfie! The make me feel confident!!
I’ve never been one for selfies before but my daughter loves doing silly poses with me so we do take a lot of selfies. A selfie stick would be perfect
No , I would give to my sister-in-law.
I think they’re good if you’re in a group of people and want to take a photo without a stranger helping you! Can’t say i take many selfies on my lonesome though, haha!
Yes, I have took them all over the world on my travels – great to capture the fun of the moment when no one is available to take them for you!
not really..im too busy taking p[ics of my boy…I should really do some selfies of us together tho!
I do because I hate photos as a rule but u can’t control the photo yourself with a selfie
No. I do not like photos of myself. I would give the selfie stick to my friend’s daughter.
I love taking selfies, it’s a great confidence boost when you need to feel a bit better about yourself.
I don’t seem to have long enough arms, or wide enough lens to take a selfie