Self-ie Destruction

It’s the reigning word of the year according to the Oxford Dictionary. Selfie. But scandals have shown us just how easy it is to “self-ie destruct.”

Just this year two selfies have caused controversy in the Colorado Springs area.

In March, Fort Carson leaders disciplined Pfc. Tariqka Sheffey after she posted a picture on her Instagram account with a caption that read in part, “This is me laying back in my car hiding so I don’t have to salute the 1700 flag.”

Most recently, a selfie obtained by the Gazette showing a shirtless Sheriff Terry Maketa. The Gazette reports the picture was shared with one of his female employees.

“I wonder how people in positions of power don’t know better to not be sharing selfies like that,” said Laura Eurich, Director of Undergraduate Studies in the Communications Department of UCCS.

Eurich says research is showing that it might just come down to instinct.

“There’s been some research into narcissism, thinking that it’s really narcissistic. Social Media has led us into being a more narcissistic society,” Eurich said.

In class, Eurich says she talks with students about being responsible with selfies.

“Don’t send things that you wouldn’t want your mom seeing and the Golden Rule is trust no one,” Eurich said.

Some moments you just don’t want to last a lifetime.