The other day I was watching the nightly news with my husband and young son when the anchor introduced a segment about new words that have been integrated into daily life over the last year—“selfie” and “photobomb.” I had to stop and think before I realized I was familiar with these two words.  “Selfies” are endless self-portraits posted on social networks such as Facebook and Twitter, while a “photobomb” is when a total stranger jumps into the background of your picture.

These new catch phrases bring negative thoughts to my mind. While taking a picture of yourself and posting it is not wrong—I question the motivation behind it. Like anything today, people take things to extremes.

Take for instance individuals who have high profile lives, the Kim Kardashians of our world. One such celebrity posted a picture of herself in a scanty negligee just to prove that she had lost the weight she gained during her pregnancy. As a mother of a three year old—I totally understand feeling happy about getting back into shape after having a baby, but there are some things that just don’t need to be shared!

In our society people no longer hold anything back. There is no privacy; nothing is off limits to public display. It was not too long ago that my friends and I used the term—T.M.I.—when someone said something about themselves or others that they should not have. It was just, too much information!

I’m on Facebook and I enjoy posting an updated picture of my family or one of my little boy’s antics from time to time, yet I don’t feel any need to let everyone know when I’ve lost weight, gotten a paper cut, or even what I’m fixing for dinner each and every day of my life. When did these details become essential knowledge to a wider audience?

As far as “photobombing” goes—would the victim of my behavior be pleased when he or she views his or her picture? Probably not. Aren’t selfies and photobombs signs indicating that people are too wrapped up in themselves?

Are we becoming people that do not consider the other person? It wasn’t too long ago that kids were taught the Golden Rule: “Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets,” (Matthew 7:12, NKJV, this and following verses). This rule doesn’t say—“Hey look at me, look how handsome, pretty or smart I am!”

Humanity has become self-absorbed very quickly through the onslaught of television, the Internet and social media. This attitude brings to mind the warning Paul gave to Timothy regarding the last days on earth before the return of Christ: “But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy… having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!” (2 Timothy 3:1-5).

Even though the terms “selfie” and “photobomb” sound amusing or harmless, we need to look at the attitude behind them. God specifically warns his people to not get caught up in the cares of this world. We must put God first in our lives—not ourselves!