Our society’s obsession with selfies has reached new heights this year with the introduction of the selfie stick.
This new tech accessory is a monopod adapted to give users the ability to take pictures of themselves beyond arms’ reach to create a better camera angle.
The devices extend anywhere from 20-50 inches and in some cases come equipped with a Bluetooth remote.
The prices range from $20 to $80 depending on features.
Time Magazine ranked the selfie stick 18th in its 25 Best Inventions of 2014, right behind a filter that helps fight Ebola.
But the invention isn’t as new as most think.
Similar telescoping self-portrait tools were patented in Japan as early as 1983.
Now, more than 20 years later, these are must-have items.
The selfie stick’s rise in popularity comes with some setbacks.
South Korea has banned all sales of uncertified selfie sticks, claiming the Bluetooth may have negative health effects.
Most museums and galleries have banned them as well, under the auspices that the extended poles have the ability to damage artwork and put surrounding people in danger.
Many concerts and large events have taken a similar stance.
Anjelica Olmos, a first-year Delta student, said she hasn’t used one yet but thinks they are cool.
“I think they aren’t a necessity, but they can make certain sceneries look beautiful (for the picture),” Olmos said. “I take sefies, but I think they are over rated.”
The success of the selfie stick raises questions about our current culture.
Have we become so obsessed with ourselves that we need to buy and carry around a tool for self-portraits?
Has the desire to showcase our lives online surpassed the desire to live our lives to the fullest?
Belfie stick manufacturers are betting that we have. The investment and development of the product is proof.
The “Selfie Stick,” an $80 selfie stick specializing in the “butt selfie,” has sold out.
There is now a waiting list.
Speaking of “butt selfies,” Kim Kardashian is releasing a book made entirely of her selfies. The 352-page book, titled “Selfish,” will be available in May.
We clearly have an odd fascination with the selfie, as obvious by the interest to support a market for it.