Do You Agree with Psychologist Sadia Khan when She Said that Social Media is Creating a Generation of Narcissistic Women?
No, I do not agree with psychologist Sadia Khan's assertion that social media is creating a generation of narcissistic women. Her statement oversimplifies the issue and overlooks the broader impact on all individuals, not just women. The harm is not limited to one gender, as she suggests; instead, it affects people of all genders and backgrounds.
Overblown Effects of Social Media
While Sadia Khan argues that social media is a significant factor, the effects are often overblown. She mentions that very few women have an OnlyFans account, which is a gross overstatement. According to statistics, the number of individuals with such accounts is closer to 2 million, which is a small minority of the global population. However, the impact of these platforms on those involved is undeniable.
Common Sense and Clinical Views
Most of Sadia Khan's views are rooted in common sense rather than rigorous clinical research. Everyone understands that physical appearance and social status matter, and the existence of "leagues" based on looks further reinforces these notions. However, her personal biases – particularly her Islamic Pakistani upbringing – influence her clinical views, which is a topic of concern. Therapists, like any professionals, have judgments and biases, but they should not let personal values or morals dictate their clinical practices.
The importance of separating personal opinions from professional advice cannot be overstated. Sadia Khan's message may be seen as "trite" because she leverages her looks and anti-woke stance to gain recognition. It is clear that she has a platform due to her appearance rather than the depth and validity of her arguments.
The Complicated Reality of Narcissism
The rise in narcissism is a multifaceted issue, and social media is only one part of the puzzle. Sadia Khan's reflection on the involvement of OnlyFans accounts is overly narrow in scope. The rise in narcissism can be traced back to cultural and societal changes that began in the 1960s with the introduction of the pill and the shift in family structures.
Traditional family structures, which were often based on cooperation and mutual support, started to break down. The end of the social contract between men and women, the dissolution of the traditional nuclear family, and the shift in primary allegiances from family to careers have all contributed to a rise in narcissism. The biological aspect cannot be ignored; humans, at a primal level, benefited from a constant need for reproductive cycles, leading to strong family bonds. With the decline of large families, we have indeed become more self-centered, not just women.
Breaking Down Family Structures
The advent of smaller families in the modern era has had a profound impact on societal structures. Couples are now more likely to drift apart after having one or two children because the common struggle of raising a large family is no longer present. While smaller families have helped control population growth, the loss of traditional family structures and common goals has led to increased individualism.
Parenting in a smaller family unit means that primary allegiances shift from the family to the workplace. This shift has further contributed to the rise in narcissistic behavior. The loss of large, interconnected family units has led to a sense of isolation and a greater focus on individual success and status.
In conclusion, while social media does have an impact on narcissism, it is one of many factors contributing to this phenomenon. Sadia Khan's perspective, while thought-provoking, is too narrow and does not account for the broader societal changes that have shaped our modern world. Our understanding of narcissism and its root causes requires a more holistic approach that considers historical, cultural, and biological factors.