Why Do Competitors Open Stores Next to One Another?
The Tale:
Way before the first selfie the ancient Greeks and Romans had a myth about someone a little too obsessed with his own image. In one telling, Narcissus was a handsome guy wandering the world in search of someone to love. After rejecting a nymph named Echo, he cuaught a glimpse of his own reflection in a river and fell in love with it. Unable to tear himself away, Narcissus drwoned. A flower marked the spotof where he died and we call that flower the Narcissus. The myth captures the basic idea of narcissism, elevated and sometimes detrimental self-involvement.
Forms:
It is actually a set of traits classified and studied by psychologists. The psychological definition of narcissism is an inflated, grandiose self-image. To varying degrees narcissists think they are better looking, smarter and more important than other people, and that they deserve special treatment. Psychologists recognize two forms of narcissism as a personality trait: grandiose and vulnerable narcissism. There is also narcissistic personilty disorder. Grandiose narcissism is characterized by extroversion, dominance and attention seeking. Grandiose narcissists pursue attention and power, sometimes as politicians, celebrities or cultural leaders. Many people engage in these activities for positive reasons but narcissistic individuals seek power for the status and attention that goes with it. Meanwhile vulnerable narcissists can be quiet and reserved. They have a strong sense of entitlement but are easily threatened or slighted.
Signs:
The backside of narcissism shows up over the long term. Narcissists tend to act selfishly, so narcissistic leaders may make risky or unethical decisions, and narcissistic partners maybe dishonest or unfaithful. When their rosy view of themselves is challenged, they can become resentful and aggressive. It is like a disease where the sufferers feel pretty good, but the people around them suffer.
Taken to the extreme, this behavior is classified as a psychological disorder called narcissistic personality disorder. It affects one to two percent of the population, more commonly men. It is also a diagnosis reserved for adults. Young people especially children can be very self-centered, but it might just be a normal part of development. The fifth edition of the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual describes several traits associated with narcissistic personality disorder. They include a grandiose view of oneself, problems with empathy, a sense of entitlement and a need for admiration. What makes these traits a true personality disorder is that they take over people’s lives and cause significant problems.
Inducement:
So what causes narcissism? Twin studies show a strong genetic component, although we don’t know which genes are involved but environment matters too. Parents who put their child on a pedestal can foster grandiose narcissism. And cold controlling parents can contribute to vulnerable narcissism. Narcissism also seems to be higher in cultures that value individuality and self promotion. More recently social media has multiplied the possibilities for self promotion, but there is no clear evidence that social media causes narcissism. Rather, it provides narcissists a means to seek social status and attention.
Transcripted By Benazir Elahee Munni