Member Reviews
Lena Derhally's work, "The Facebook Narcissist," examines the association between narcissism and social media, offering readers insights and tactics for safeguarding against its consequences. Derhally employs a methodical approach, drawing upon research and case studies to provide a comprehensive understanding of how social media platforms amplify narcissistic inclinations. The book covers subjects such as the propagation of false narratives, differentiation between categories of narcissistic individuals, and the convergence of narcissism with influencer culture.
Throughout the book, Derhally integrates illustrations and advice, enabling readers to identify and comprehend narcissistic manifestations on social media platforms. The author's expertise in fostering healthy relationships guides readers to evaluate their own behaviors. The text emphasizes the potential for utilizing social media as a catalyst for positive change, inspiring readers to harness its capabilities while cultivating empathy and fostering connections.
Derhally's book exhibits an accessible writing style and leverages the author's expertise, making it accessible to a broad readership. Whether one is a concerned parent or an avid social media user, this book offers insights and strategies for navigating the online realm.
"The Facebook Narcissist" advocates for mindfulness and caution in the utilization of social media platforms. It empowers individuals to counteract the effects of social media-induced narcissism while fostering connections. Derhally's book serves as a guide for cultivating a healthier online environment, particularly pertinent to the demands of the digital era.
This book is informative and easy to read and outlines the different types of narcissistic behavior one might be confronted with or guilty of on social media and how to identify and avoid the more toxic types. I like how each chapter deals with a different aspect of narcissism and how social media exacerbates and feeds it. The checklists at the end of each chapter were particularly helpful.
This would be a great book for anyone who knows *little* about how social media works. I’m not a huge social media user, but I am tech savvy, so most of the advice hit me as “Duh”.
Plus the writing style is pretty dry. I think I’ve gotten hooked on narrative nonfiction and this isn’t that. While there is a good blend of studies, expert input, and anecdotes, it reads almost like the notes section of a PowerPoint presentation, so maybe the audiobook version would be more compelling.
Thank you NetGalley and HCI Books for providing me with this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Lena Derhally's book on the problems of using Facebook addictively or for flaunting materialistically to other people is a well researched one and I loved it. To look at the cover of this book explains the selfie culture in action. What really is Narcissism? Is it certainly being self centered and oblivious?. I would highly suggest this book for anyone who has a Facebook account, to children and teenagers or adults who are generally glued to social media most of the time.
Very helpful and interesting book that explains deeply on how to use social media in a positive way through case studies, examples and surveys from real experts. The author has done a great job in explaining - The toxicity of constant comparison on social media, spending large portion of one's time online, dangers of becoming too reliant on social media. The author gives tips and takeaways on behaviors that are linked to narcissism such as excess, lack of empathy, entitlement, exploitative behaviors and self centeredness. The chapter that discusses Cyber bullying, Cyberstalking, Internet Trolls, Gaming and Misogyny was my favorite part in the reading. I agree absolutely with the author Lena Derhally on her strategies and obvious advice to protect yourself if you are cyberstalked. Never accept friend requests from strangers or share any personal information online. Use strong passwords. Report to fightcyberstalking.org, block or delete social media accounts and e-mail addresses. Move your home if you must. Seek support by telling your trusted people.
I loved this advice from the author - Instead of comparing oneself to others and coveting, focus on gratitude and being content with what really you already have. Social media gives you false hopes and dreams. Unplugging and staying away is fulfilling.
I just reviewed the book, The Facebook Narcissist, Thanks to Lena Derhally, Publisher Health Communication Inc and NetGalley for the book in exchange for my honest review.
Really interesting book. Great insight into the mind of someone with narcissistic traits. I have much experience as a former psychotherapist but did learn something.
I received an electronic copy of this book from NetGalley & the publisher/author in exchange for honest feedback.
This was a quick read. The book is chiefly about (as the title suggests) narcissism as it manifests on social media (any, not just Facebook). The author is a licensed psychotherapist certified in Imago Relationship Therapy. The book is divided into chapters / sections which include various thematic explorations of different facets of narcissism as it can relate to social media. The sections also include a case study explaining the concept & the application of the discussed themes in the chapter (one of the things I liked the most). The author noted that some of these are from research and interviews (names changed of course).
What is touched on in this book as central themes can include individual & cultural narcissism, how narcissists can utilize social media / the internet, how social media & the internet can exacerbate narc tendencies, etc. As well as another important aspect of how to identity/protect oneself from a toxic narcissist (on the internet). This relates also to influencer / celebrity culture, cyberbullying, cyberstalking, trolling, etc.
This book is mostly a modern look into social media use by those people with narcissistic tendencies. It does provide some of the psychological terms/meanings behind this phenomena and explains some of the motivations behind using the Internet as a narcissistic shield essentially. The later sections talk more about protecting oneself, from say, a narcissistic ex-spouse or cyberbullying.
It is easy to read, I finished it rather quickly as it flows very well and follows a linear writing logic to its conclusion. I think it was pretty straightforward, kinda like a surface level explanation of things that people who are interested in the topics may already know. However, this is a good read for a beginner in psychology or perhaps even someone who is wanting to do something like a school project/essay in the links between social media and psychology.
Thank you to the publisher/author and NetGalley for a copy of this book.
A good portion of our days are spent on social media and this book's intention is to identify and understand narcissistic traits that may present on social media.
Online platforms are the perfect breeding ground for vanity and self-obsession, yet not everybody are narcissists. Social media is one of the easier ways to attain shallow and immediate gratification. People have deep need for validation and acceptance and we always want more. “Likes” and “follows” seems to be fueling a culture of narcissism.
While narcissistic people tend to use social media specifically to gain admiration, attention, and followers, emotionally intelligent people use social media to connect with others and deepen relationships. Without empathy, it is impossible to have authentic relationships.
We can let social media consume us, or we can use it in a modified and productive way. Being kind and have firm boundaries is equally important.
The author describes different types and subtypes of narcissists and how they present themselves on social media and offers solutions how to deal with them and how to use social media in positive ways.
Extremely useful, educational and systematic book.
This book takes a bit of reading to really get the point across. There for the longest time when I was in the pages the author almost made everyone who had a social media presence sound like narcissists. You slowly start to understand more of what they are trying to get at later in the book.