Narcissism facts for kids

Narcissism is a word that describes when someone really admires themselves. It's like being super proud of your own looks, talents, or achievements. This idea comes from an old Greek story about a character named Narcissus. He was so amazed by his own reflection in a pool of water that he fell in love with it!

What is Narcissism?

Narcissism is a way of thinking where a person focuses a lot on themselves. They might feel very important or special. It's more than just being confident. It often means needing a lot of praise and attention from others.

Where Did the Word Come From?

The word "narcissism" comes from an ancient Greek myth. In this story, a handsome young man named Narcissus saw his own face in a clear pond. He was so captivated by his reflection that he couldn't look away. He spent all his time staring at himself and eventually turned into a flower. This myth helps us understand the idea of being overly focused on oneself.

Is Narcissism Always Bad?

Not always! A little bit of self-love and confidence is healthy. It helps you feel good about yourself and try new things. This is sometimes called "healthy narcissism." It means you believe in yourself without putting others down.

When Does it Become a Problem?

Narcissism can become a problem when it's too extreme. If someone thinks they are always right or better than everyone else, it can cause issues. They might struggle to understand other people's feelings. They might also get upset if they don't get the attention they think they deserve.

Narcissism and Social Media

You might see some signs of narcissism on social media. People who enjoy posting many selfies or constantly talk about themselves online might show some narcissistic traits. Studies have looked at how often people post selfies. They found that people who score higher on narcissism scales tend to post more selfies. This is especially true for men.

Images for kids

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  Narcissus (1597–99) by Caravaggio. This painting shows the man who fell in love with his own reflection.

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  A famous thinker named Sigmund Freud believed that a little bit of narcissism is normal for everyone, especially when we are babies. He thought it helps us grow and learn to care for others.

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  People who like to post many selfies on social media often score higher on tests for narcissism.

See also

In Spanish: Narcisismo para niños