Narcissism in Society – A Cultural and Psychological Perspective
- Nov 19, 2025
- 5 min read
Written by Phoebe Toft, Healing Journey Author & Coach
Phoebe Toft is an impactful author and coach, known for the poetry collection "Caught in Partner Violence", where she uses words to foster understanding and healing around complex issues like partner violence and narcissism.
In recent years, narcissism has truly taken hold within our society, not only in individual relationships but also as a deeply ingrained part of our culture. The rising use of social media, consumerism, and a culture driven by quick gratification have fostered a trend of self-centeredness, constant pursuit of recognition, and superficial success. To understand where this narcissism originates and what consequences it brings, it’s essential to examine both its psychological roots and its cultural expressions.
The psychological roots
At its core, narcissism involves an exaggerated sense of self-importance, a need for constant admiration, and a lack of empathy for others. Research indicates that narcissistic traits often stem from childhood experiences, either overwhelming overvaluation or neglect, that shape our self-image and our way of relating to others.
In my new book, "The Narcissist’s Playbook", I explore how narcissists employ manipulation tactics such as gaslighting, love bombing, and devaluation to control others. While these behaviors are often associated with individuals, they also reflect broader societal trends where egocentrism and the pursuit of external validation become the norm.
Cultural reinforcement
Modern culture, fueled by social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook, has created an environment where narcissistic traits can flourish. These platforms emphasize visual self-presentation, likes, and followers, making the constant search for approval a central part of many people’s lives. The quest for external validation becomes a way to affirm oneself, reinforcing narcissistic tendencies.
But here’s an important point, many confuse likes and followers with genuine value. What they’re truly after isn’t inner potential but outer recognition. This is a misunderstood culture where external validation has become the definition of success and where being popular often overshadows being authentic.
Our collective role models and control
Look at what has happened with our collective role models over time. Many grew up idolizing figures like Michael Jackson, Justin Bieber, and other superstars who have shaped our understanding of talent, fame, and personality. However, behind this fame are often patterns of control, manipulation, and a need to shape how others perceive them.
Why does this happen? One reason is that those in power and interested parties often seek to control individuals with great talent or potential merely to shape their public image and maintain influence or profit. Talent is inherently individual and can manifest in many forms, such as art, music, science, leadership, empathy, and innovation, but too often, it is exploited as a tool for control rather than recognized as the unique, personal potential it is.
This control can trap some individuals in a game of image-building, where their true talent is suppressed or distorted to serve external interests. Such manipulation fuels narcissistic behavior because it pressures individuals to perform and project a certain image rather than to discover and nurture their authentic, unique talents.
Platforms: Tools or causes?
It’s important to remember that there are always two sides. Society and the tech industry tend to blame the creators of major platforms like Meta, TikTok, and others for spreading narcissism. But individuals are not solely responsible. Many are fighting against it. The actual root cause lies in the deeply embedded programming of narcissistic tendencies within the human mind, amplified by social media designs that promote superficial validation. These tools are simply instruments used to satisfy an internal drive, rather than foster positive change, education, or meaningful communities.
Mental health and narcissism
The rising mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression, and loneliness, are not necessarily caused by social media alone. They stem from the relentless pursuit of superficial validation, which disconnects people from what truly matters, genuine belonging, compassion, and inner values. This pursuit creates feelings of emptiness and isolation, which can lead to mental health struggles.
At the same time, cultural acceptance of narcissistic behavior can lead to more widespread acts of cruelty, such as bullying, belittling, and manipulation. Some individuals are so far gone that they laugh at others’ suffering and personal struggles, and in some cases, even participate in social media harassment. This often comes from adults who have lost their capacity for empathy and compassion, instead finding pleasure in humiliating or degrading others. It’s a clear sign of how far we’ve moved from true humanity built on kindness and respect.
Culture’s role and the future of children
If the culture we create as adults is characterized by narcissism, superficiality, and a lack of empathy, how can we expect children to do better? It’s we, the grown-ups, who set the foundation in which children grow. If we teach them that superficial success, egoism, and a lack of compassion are the right values, they will follow suit. We foster a culture where mocking others’ suffering, bullying, and belittling become normalized simply because that’s what we model.
To foster positive change, we need to start with ourselves. We must teach children the importance of genuine empathy, compassion, and humility. Show them that true strength lies in vulnerability, and that real success is contributing positively to others’ lives. Only through a culture rooted in respect and kindness can we prevent the next generation from growing up with the same narcissistic tendencies that dominate our society today.
The path toward a healthier society
Counteracting the spread of narcissism requires a deliberate effort. The education system can promote emotional intelligence, empathy, and self-awareness from an early age. Media literacy can equip people to critically assess the content they consume and produce online.
A culture that values authentic human relationships, sincerity, and compassion is essential. It’s about celebrating humility, respect, and genuine connectedness. Only then can we diminish narcissistic tendencies and build a more sustainable society.
Conclusion
Narcissism in society is both a mirror of our cultural trends and a force that shapes them. While we can understand the psychological mechanisms behind narcissistic behavior, the greatest challenge lies in the cultural reinforcement that perpetuates it. It’s vital to recognize that there are always two sides. Society often blames the creators of technological tools, but the deeper cause is the ingrained programming of narcissistic tendencies within the human mind. These tools are used for superficial validation rather than fostering understanding and meaningful relationships.
Finally, it’s crucial to see that mental health issues are not solely caused by social media. They are rooted in the relentless pursuit of superficial validation leading to emptiness, loneliness, and sometimes malevolence. Only through genuine connection, compassion, and respect can we prevent the darker side of narcissism from spreading and destroying our collective future.
Read more from Phoebe Toft
Phoebe Toft, Healing Journey Author & Coach
Phoebe Toft is a courageous author and coach who draws on her experiences from a violent relationship with a narcissistic partner. In her poetry collection 'Caught in Partner Violence', she uses words as healing tools to explore the dynamics of narcissistic relationships and raise awareness about trauma. With a spiritual approach to coaching, she aims to guide others toward inner strength and freedom. Phoebe is passionate about increasing understanding among society and professionals regarding the experiences of victims, as she believes that knowledge is crucial for healing.
