The self-portrait is nothing new. Painters and photographers have always used themselves as subjects. Today, however, almost everyone walks 1 with a camera in their pocket. This is because most cell phones have cameras on them. The fact that most people have cell phone cameras with them all the time has led 2 the rise of the selfie.
Since the pictures are usually taken on a cell phone, many people tend to share these photographs 3 friends and even strangers on different social networking websites. The most common way to take a selfie is by holding a cell phone 4 arm's length.
Some people think that selfies are a sign that people are becoming vain or superficial. When people take pictures of themselves, they usually are trying to present themselves 5 the best light. However, some people use selfies to show what they really look like. Some people are trying to challenge stereotypes of what makes someone attractive.