Does Anyone Use Selfie Sticks Anymore?.
Is the Selfie Stick Dead?
Selfie sticks were once a ubiquitous sight at tourist attractions and social events around the world. But in recent years, their popularity has waned. So, does anyone use selfie sticks anymore?
The short answer is yes, but not as many people as used to. A 2022 survey by the Pew Research Center found that only 20% of Americans had used a selfie stick in the past year, down from 32% in 2015.
There are a few reasons for this decline. First, smartphone cameras have improved dramatically in recent years. They now have wider angle lenses, higher resolution sensors, and better low-light performance. This makes it easier to take good selfies without the need for a selfie stick.
Second, selfie sticks have been banned in many popular tourist destinations, including museums, amusement parks, and music festivals. This is due to safety concerns, as well as complaints that selfie sticks are a nuisance to other visitors.
Finally, some people simply find selfie sticks to be uncool or outdated. They prefer to take selfies with their phone in their hand, or to use a tripod for more professional-looking photos.
But despite their waning popularity, selfie sticks still have their uses. They can be helpful for taking group selfies, or for getting a better angle on a selfie in a crowded place. They can also be used to take photos from unusual or difficult-to-reach places.
So, if you're planning a trip or attending a large event, it might not be a bad idea to pack a selfie stick. Just be prepared to leave it at home if you're visiting a place where they're banned.
Why did selfie sticks become so popular in the first place?
Selfie sticks first appeared in Japan in the early 2010s, and quickly became popular around the world. Their popularity was due to a number of factors, including:
- The rise of social media: Selfie sticks made it easy to take and share selfies on social media platforms like Instagram and Snapchat.
- The improvement of smartphone cameras: As smartphone cameras improved, people became more interested in taking high-quality selfies.
- The desire to capture travel memories: Selfie sticks were particularly popular among travelers, as they allowed them to take selfies with iconic landmarks in the background.
Why are selfie sticks less popular now?
There are a few reasons why selfie sticks are less popular now than they used to be:
- The rise of wide-angle lenses: Many modern smartphones now have wide-angle lenses, which allow people to take selfies with a larger group of people or more of the background in the frame.
- The improvement of selfie modes: Smartphone selfie modes have also improved in recent years, making it easier to take good selfies without a selfie stick.
- The ban on selfie sticks in many popular tourist destinations: As mentioned above, selfie sticks have been banned in many popular tourist destinations due to safety concerns and complaints that they are a nuisance to other visitors.
- The perception that selfie sticks are uncool or outdated: Some people simply find selfie sticks to be uncool or outdated. They prefer to take selfies with their phone in their hand, or to use a tripod for more professional-looking photos.
Are selfie sticks still worth using?
Whether or not selfie sticks are still worth using depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you often take selfies with groups of people, or if you want to get a better angle on a selfie in a crowded place, then a selfie stick can be a helpful tool.
However, if you're only taking selfies occasionally, or if you don't mind having a smaller group of people or less of the background in your selfies, then you may not need a selfie stick.
It's also important to consider the potential drawbacks of using a selfie stick. Selfie sticks can be bulky and difficult to carry around, and they can also be banned in some places.
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to use a selfie stick is up to you. If you think it will help you take better selfies, then go for it. But if you're not sure, or if you don't mind the potential drawbacks, then there's no need to force yourself to use one.
Alternative ways to take selfies
If you're not sure whether or not to use a selfie stick, or if you're looking for alternative ways to take selfies, here are a few tips:
- Use a wide-angle lens: If your smartphone has a wide-angle lens, use it to take selfies with a larger group of people or more of the background in the frame.
- Use a selfie mode: Smartphone selfie modes have improved in recent years, so try using one to take your selfies