40+ year old women posting selfies on social media - is this a new trend?

[bogeywoman]

Quite a few of my friends/acquaintances have recently started posting very posed selfies (without much in the way of a description) on FB and instagram. Women who are well into their 40s, married with children. Is this some sort of lockdown related insecurity? I find it so strange.

Why do you care?

You’re going to get a ton of replies saying that it’s none of your business, if you don’t like it then don’t follow, and if they’re happy then let them crack on.

But while all of that may be true, I still agree with you. It’s weird.

I personally am camera shy and have never even been able to do video calls etc let alone selfies and such. I'm 37 so not far from 40, a mother, a wife. No I wouldn't do it but....

I also would not judge any other women my age, wife or not, mother or not for posting selfies. In fact I would probably envy their confidence and tell them how damn amazing they look

It's a bit tragic in your kitchen on a Tues morning I must say. I understand if you're actually doing something - I think. I've only got one friend who does it constantly, she's the wrong side of 40, not bad looking but god the selfies 🤦

Eh? Selfies are hardly a new thing. And gosh! Even women over 40 take them!

I've no idea whether it's a "thing" or not and I hate myself in photos so I'm definitely not going to join in if it is, but should selfies be restricted by age? Why are they any better if it's a 26 year old posting them than a 53 year old?

@bogeywoman if they were your real friends you wouldn’t take to Mumsnet to slate them, a bit bitchy.

RE the acquaintances delete them if you don’t like what they’re up to on Facebook.

Also what’s the difference between doing it at 30 or 40?

The wrong side of 40? Charming.
I don't like selfies at whatever age. Its attention seeking behaviour. I wouldn't ever say so in real life.

Is posing for selfies only for single people in their 20s & 30s? Is 39 the cut off age or is it when you have children?

I’m not sure why this matters to you. Social media is quite narcissistic but what harm is it doing to post posed selfies? Live and let live.

Narcissism has no age group restrictions, especially when Instagram no longer has the youth cache to it and everyone is on it.

Like rats in a dopamine maze, no matter what the age of the person, if they can get a nice angle and post a great shot, they're just waiting for the flood of "wow you look amazing Hun xx" that provides the adrenaline surge of pride.

Is the issue that they are women, that they are over 40, that they are married, or that they have children? Which of those factors makes it inappropriate for them to post selfies on social media?

I can only imagine what it must be like for you trying to cope with seeing these images. The strain must be unbearable. You poor thing, having to look at these photographs and then to have to manage your struggle to understand why anyone would so such a thing. But hopefully the knowledge that you are much better than them and would never feel the need to share a photograph on social media will get you through this :)

Women who are well into their 40s, married with children.

The horror!!!!

Is this some sort of lockdown related insecurity? I find it so strange.

Naw ye dinnae. Obvious bait.

I've had an influx of this as well, seems to be linked to Younique MLM recruiting.

Have you been living under a rock for the past decade?

So what if they are. I hate the camera and wouldnt do it myself.

Perhaps the OP is trying to say that surely women over 40 should have grown out of such vain, attention seeking behaviour? That's the only reason I can think of for this post.

yeah because the only people who should be visible on social media are young sexy 20 somethings.

If 40, 50, 60 or goddamit 70 year old women want to post selfies that's entirely their business and good for them if that's what they want to do. Nobody is forcing anyone to look at or follow or emulate them.

I hate photos of me but honestly this sort of goady shit makes me want to flood SM with selfies. doing duck face pouts. in false eyelashes.

More women over the age of 40 should be posting selfies. It’s great they feel confident to take up space and feel good about themselves.

The fact you have a problem with this says more about your insecurities.

Why does it bother you so much, is it affecting you personally?
Do men posting selfies equally bother you or is it just women?

It's a wonder your eyes didn't melt with the over 40 hideousness how you managed to post on here is a miracle 🤔

OP, what age do you think this would be OK?

Go on........

I kind of get what the OP is saying.

Not that women over 40 should only go out dressed in a sack with a paper bag over their heads...but that, while duckface pouting into the camera can sort of be written off as youthful misdemeanour at 22, it’s a bit tragic when you’re more mature in years.

Having said that, I don’t actually give a toss. The selfie thing will probably due out eventually. I can foresee a time when it’s thought of by the youth as extremely cringey and passé.

die out

My friends (who are all over 40 on FB at least) tend to post selfies when they have changed something (e.g. new lockdown haircut, coloured hair, new glasses, want to change their profile photo), or when they go somewhere with their families. I don't find this odd, and they just look like nice 40+ ladies who aren't afraid for their friends and family to see what they look like! Even I change my profile photo about once or twice a year and post when out with my friends/family.

Look away if it offends you!

My friends don't take duck-faced pouting poses. They just take quick fun selfies of themselves with a new haircut or on a walk with the kids. So shoot us!