Description: Narcissism is a psychological condition characterized by an excessive focus on oneself and an inflated sense of self-importance. Individuals with narcissistic traits often exhibit a constant need for admiration and a lack of empathy towards others. This personality disorder manifests in behaviors such as arrogance, manipulation, and attention-seeking. Narcissists tend to idealize themselves, believing they are superior to others, which can lead to problematic interpersonal relationships. Additionally, they may struggle to accept criticism and often react defensively to any signs of rejection. Narcissism can vary in intensity, from mild traits that may be common in the general population to more severe forms that require clinical intervention. Today, narcissism has become a relevant topic in various contexts, including social media, where the quest for validation can exacerbate these behaviors. Understanding narcissism is crucial not only in the clinical realm but also in the ethics of artificial intelligence, where questions arise about how systems may reflect or amplify these human tendencies in their design and operation.
History: The term ‘narcissism’ comes from Greek mythology, specifically from the story of Narcissus, a young man who fell in love with his own image reflected in water. This concept was introduced into modern psychology by Sigmund Freud in 1914, who used it to describe a phase of child development and later related it to personality disorders. Throughout the 20th century, narcissism has been the subject of study in various psychological schools, including ego psychology and humanistic psychology.
Uses: Narcissism is used in clinical settings to diagnose personality disorders, specifically Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD). It is also applied in studies of social behavior, particularly in contemporary culture, where it is analyzed how narcissism can influence human interaction and self-image. Additionally, its impact on leadership and organizational dynamics is explored.
Examples: An example of narcissism in everyday life might be a person who constantly seeks praise and attention on social media, posting content that highlights their achievements and appearance. In the workplace, a narcissistic leader may make decisions that benefit their personal image at the expense of team well-being. In popular culture, characters in series and movies often portray narcissistic traits, such as the character Jordan Belfort in ‘The Wolf of Wall Street.’
