# Narcissistic Tradition Consumers turn to self-promotion tactics as a mode of personal branding. By [Vasiliki Marapas](https://www.trendhunter.com/Vasiliki.Marapas), Research Advisor & Writer | Published May 7, 2015 | Category: [Social Media](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/social-media-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/narcissistic-tradition ## Key Figures - Trend score: 6.1/10 - Evidence articles: 4 ## What is the Narcissistic Tradition trend? **Narcissistic Tradition:** It can be argued that social media has bred a socially sanctioned culture of narcissism, allowing people to share all aspects of their lives with a participating audience. This culture of narcissism is most clearly observed in the tradition of "the selfie," which has mutated into something much larger than itself, indicating that beyond sharing, many consumers are interested in the larger scheme of personal branding and shameless self-promotion. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 4 featured examples - Articles from: Aug 1, 2014 to May 5, 2015 - Published: May 7, 2015 - Patterns: [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection), [Acceleration](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/acceleration) - Megatrends: [Prosumerism](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/prosumerism), [Many to Many](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/many-to-many) ## Audience - Gender: 30% men, 70% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: Asia ## Themes within the Narcissistic Tradition trend ### Personal branding The selfie trend has led to a larger scheme of personal branding, which can be leveraged by businesses looking to market themselves through consumer-led social media. ### Virtual avatars The popularity of the My Idol app showcases the potential of creating realistic digital versions of oneself, opening up opportunities for businesses to create virtual spokespeople for their brands. ### Transparency Apps like Primo demonstrate a growing interest in authenticity and transparency in the age of the selfie, which can be leveraged by businesses looking to build trust and credibility with consumers. ## What the Narcissistic Tradition trend means for industry ### For Social Media The rise of selfie and personal branding trends have created new opportunities for social media platforms to offer features that cater to those needs and keep users engaged. ### For Cosmetics and Surgery Selfie trends have contributed to the growing demand for beauty treatments such as cosmetic surgery and non-invasive procedures like photo touch-ups, opening up opportunities for businesses in these industries. ### For Marketing and Advertising The rise of personal branding and virtual avatar trends create new opportunities for businesses to leverage consumer-led content and create innovative marketing campaigns that speak to the desires of a younger, social-savvy audience. ## Workshop question How do consumers reconcile your brand with their own personal branding? ## Trend signals for Narcissistic Tradition Trend score 6.1 out of 10, from popularity 90%, activity 84%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 90% - Activity: 84% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Narcissistic Tradition trend 4 featured examples from Aug 1, 2014 to May 5, 2015. - [Virtual Doppelganger Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/my-idol): The My Idol App Lets Users Create a Digital Version of Themselves (Category: Tech) Implication: The gaming industry can benefit from the trend towards virtual avatars by incorporating more realistic and customizable characters into games, especially given the growing popular… - [Ungroomed Armpit Selfies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/armpit-selfie): Chinese Teens Make Hairy Underarms Popular on Social Media (Category: Pop Culture) Implication: The beauty industry can explore new products and services that cater to the demand for embracing natural beauty and self-expression through unconventional grooming practices. - [Selfie-Exposing Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/primo-app): The Primo App Uncovers Photo Touch-Ups to Show What's Really Underneath (Category: Tech) Implication: The trend of more natural-looking selfies opens an opportunity for photo and video editing software providers to offer a 'make-under' feature that removes touch-ups and filters. - [Beauty-Rating Restaurants](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jeju-island): China's Jeju Island Joint Gives Free Meals to Good-Looking Customers (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Restaurants can explore innovative promotional strategies like beauty-rating systems to attract customers and generate buzz ## Recent trend clusters - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) - [Storyline Sips](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/themed-drink-menus) (Lifestyle) - [Bedtime Cocoon](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sleep-sensory-blocking) (Lifestyle) - [Source Signatures](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/oak-finish-whiskey) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Social Media - [Performance-Based Creator Ads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/creator-ad-platforms) - [Nostalgic Dating App Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hily-dating) - [Weekly People's Choice Cookie Menus](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/choice-menu) All articles: [Social Media](https://www.trendhunter.com/socialmedia)