Key Points
Most teens do not necessarily display extreme levels of narcissism.
Teens can be considered selfish when they assert their individuality.
Some teens with narcissistic traits can be considered competitive and good leaders.
Most of my research has been in the area of narcissism in teens, as well as the relationship between narcissism and social media activity. The topic of narcissism in teens has caught my interest because of the many paradoxes that have been discussed in the past regarding young people’s self-perception and self-esteem, as well as the inclusion of narcissism in the concept of psychopathy—an area I have previously researched. Additionally, I find the unique aspects of teen development interesting, as they suggest that narcissism may be a normal part of being a teen and may be adaptive in some ways.
After conducting research in this area and reviewing the work of colleagues with similar interests, we have come to several key findings:
Narcissism in adolescents tends to fall along a normal distribution, meaning that most adolescents do not necessarily exhibit extreme levels of narcissism, and narcissism tends to decline somewhat as we age.
Narcissism in adolescence is associated with aggression, deviant behavior, self-reported anxiety, and depression, depending on the specific characteristics of narcissism.
Adolescents with narcissistic traits may be viewed negatively by their peers as manipulative, difficult to get along with, and likely to engage in future delinquency. However, they may also be considered competitive and good leaders.
Narcissism is not necessarily associated with the frequency or type of social media posts. However, some social media posts, such as selfies, may be related to perceptions of narcissism among unfamiliar viewers.
As we continue to conduct research, we expect to gain more clarity and nuance around these issues. By exploring the topic of adolescent narcissism in the context of different generations, it becomes important to consider the influence of developmental forces during adolescence as well as individual personality differences. Furthermore, while we recognize the association between narcissism and maladjustment, along with negative peer perceptions, it is essential to uncover the underlying causes and specific conditions that contribute to such associations. Furthermore, when examining the relationship between narcissism and social media posts, it remains essential to investigate whether narcissistic individuals are naturally inclined to share certain content on social media platforms or whether the prevalence of social media has somehow fostered increased narcissistic tendencies.
Related : 6 Reasons It’s Easy to Be Fooled by a Narcissist
The first step is to come up with a common definition of narcissism that is theoretically grounded and scientifically supported. Some researchers focus specifically on the grandiose aspects of narcissism (e.g., a sense of entitlement, boasting), others include the concept of vulnerable narcissism (e.g., self-esteem that is heavily influenced by social feedback, reluctance to share vulnerabilities), and still, others rely on the diagnostic criteria for narcissistic personality disorder.
While many people may have a stereotype of a narcissist as arrogant and conceited, research over the past few decades has painted a more complex picture. According to the definitions, narcissistic individuals are those who seek to appear superior to others, but it is unclear whether they believe they are superior. For adolescents, the situation is particularly complex, as they are still developing a sense of self and personhood, and asserting their individuality—a task of great importance in individualistic societies—can be considered selfish.
I plan to delve deeper into the topics of self-perception and personality factors associated with behavioral problems in young people, as well as how social media influences and reflects self-perception. While we don’t have all the answers yet, I believe these issues are worth discussing, and I look forward to engaging with readers on this platform.
