Ripple Effect of Taking Selfies; Attitude of Generation Z MBBS Students

Abstract

Objectives: To determine the attitude of Generation Z undergraduate medical students on taking selfies and their effects.

Methodology: A mixed-method study was conducted wherein all undergraduate medical students coming under Generation Z (born after 1997 i.e. 26 years and below) and studying at Al-Tibri Medical College Karachi were included. For qualitative part, focused group discussions were held where the students were open to discuss about selfie-taking and their effects. Purpose was to develop a questionnaire for the quantitative part of the study. Data was collected and analyzed using SPSS. The correlation of number of selfie captured by students to the factors was evaluated by applying Pearson correlation keeping p<0.05 as statistically significant.

Results: Qualitative analysis showed 4 main themes viz. Behavioral Intentions, Actual Behaviors, Attitudes and Narcissistic Behaviors. Quantitative analysis reported significant agreement of students on certain aspect of each of the themes such as become more successful (p-0.04), expect from other people (p-0.03), to get recognition (p-0.04), gain compliments (p-0.05), make people believe them (p-0.04), selfie is a fashion trend (p<0.01), better story teller (p-0.01), take selfies for others (p-0.02), manipulate people (p-0.03), feel confident (p-0.03), show I am more capable (p-0.02) and be center of attention (p-0.02).

Conclusion: Selfies have a significant ripple effect on attitude and behavior of Generation Z medical students. This research highlights need for awareness and education about healthy selfie-taking behavior to ensure that medical students are able to harness the positive effects of selfies while avoiding negative impact of excessive selfie-taking.