I continue the series of articles on the topic. The previous ones can be found here: “Diagnosis by avatar. 6 types of people on the Internet.” If we imagine these types in the form of steps, from more disturbed to healthy, then today’s will be somewhere in the middle. In general, neither fish nor fowl are neurotics. The neurotic level of personality organization is a structure of the psyche, which is characterized by the use of mature defense mechanisms (rationalization, sublimation) with episodes of regression to primitive ones (denial, splitting). Full contact with reality. The main problems are often related to identity, object relations and disturbances in the emotional sphere. People of this type love “instagram*”! And if we talk about identity issues, that's where they get therapy. By putting a photo from the beach on an avatar - a bikini, short shorts, a tan - a person seems to emphasize gender. So that no one doubts that “I am inaccessible and sexy,” and “I am powerful and brutal.” Look, look at how cool the mesh fence is... "Instagram* type." General characteristics Similar behavior can be found in people of a narcissistic nature. Focus on the external, formal and general, used by the masses, is their indicative feature. On social media In the narcissist’s networks, one can see more of a demonstration of an appropriate image, rather than a living person with his own characteristics. Photos of driving a BMW (so that the three treasured letters are visible!) in the gym or by the pool with a cocktail are typical avatars. I'm not even talking about those “specimens” that became famous thanks to the “duck sponges”... well, you remember this video: The whole point is that the focus on the “external” speaks of the commodity-money thinking of a narcissistic personality: to sell oneself to buy others. As for communication with an Instagram-type narcissist, it takes place under a halo of devaluation. Since their unconscious is burning with shame and feelings of inferiority, it is you who will be the object of projection: it will be you who will be shamed, devalued and blamed for all mortal sins. This is how they “solve” intrapersonal conflicts and stabilize self-esteem. What is on Mr. or Mrs. Instagram* avatar? Once again: naked body parts (chest, hips, legs, biceps, abs), rich life, trips abroad, brands (Apple, Gucci, Louis Vuitton), photographs with celebrities, money, jewelry. For men, this could be weapons, cigars, watches, or half-naked women as a decorative element. Thus, the narcissist's avatar is the culmination of his self-esteem! There is a collective image of a “successful” person in all respects. You can see how he pored over every millimeter of the photograph, trimming the excess, looking for a filter, doing everything to avoid facing public censure. After all, this is exactly where the narcissist began his journey through life in early childhood. Their parents were cold towards them. Of course, this approach has advantages - a high aesthetic standard (and daffodils have really excellent photographs) provides, in a way, a guideline for everyone else. Why not? In my opinion, each character is needed for its own purpose, including a socially useful one. Thank you for your attention! If you liked the article, click “say thanks” Read my other articles! Author: consulting psychologist, Georgy Solodovnikov. Appointment via Skype or in person in Chelyabinsk, +7 (919) 325 10 99 * Instagram belongs to the company Meta, which is recognized as an extremist organization in Russia.