Taking selfies has become a ubiquitous part of modern culture. With front-facing cameras on smartphones and social media apps like Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok, people are taking more selfies than ever before. But how you actually hold your phone while taking a selfie can vary greatly from person to person.
Some key questions when considering how to hold your phone for a selfie include:
- One handed or two handed?
- Which hand do you use?
- Do you hold the phone up high, straight out, or down low?
- What grip/grasps do you use?
- Do you use any accessories like selfie sticks?
Looking at the data and trends around these selfie-taking techniques can reveal some fascinating insights into this pervasive cultural phenomenon.
One Handed vs. Two Handed
One of the first key decisions when taking a selfie is whether to hold the phone with one hand or two. According to surveys, the majority of people take selfies one-handed:
- In a 2019 poll, approximately 65% of Americans said they take selfies with one hand.
- A 2016 survey of smartphone users found that 72% of selfies were taken one-handed.
Some of the potential advantages of one-handed selfies include:
- Leaves the other hand free to do things like hold props, fix hair, etc.
- Feels more natural for many people.
- Allows you to hold the camera farther away and fit more into the frame.
However, two-handed selfies also have benefits:
- More control and stability holding the phone with both hands.
- Makes it easier to take selfies from farther away/at wider angles.
- Allows you to snap selfies more quickly.
So while most people seem to prefer one-handed selfies, two-handed grip can also be optimal in certain situations.
Left vs. Right Hand
Assuming a one-handed grip, the next question is whether you hold your phone in your left or right hand when taking a selfie. According to polling data, right-handed selfie grips are much more common:
- In one survey, 76% of people held their phone with their right hand for selfies, while only 24% used their left.
- Another poll showed an even stronger right hand preference – 88% of respondents were right-handed when taking selfies.
This right-handed tendency is not surprising considering around 90% of people are right-hand dominant generally. But some lefties are bucking the trend and embracing left-handed selfie grips, especially when showing their left sides to the camera.
Selfie Camera Angles
One of the most creative aspects of selfie photography is playing with different angles and perspectives. There are three main ways people tend to hold their phones to achieve different selfie angles:
High Angles
Holding your phone up high above your head, often at a tilted downward angle. Pros of high-angle selfies:
- Elongates and slims facial features.
- Can make you seem taller.
- Shows more background scenery.
Straight On
Holding the camera straight out at eye level. Benefits include:
- Feels natural, straight head-on perspective.
- Offers a head-to-toe view of your look.
- Allows you to look directly into the lens.
Low Angles
Holding your camera low down, tilting it slightly upward. Pros of low selfie angles:
- Exaggerates facial features in a quirky way.
- Provides an interesting “worm’s eye view” perspective.
- Great for dramatic portraits.
The angle you choose really depends on the vibe you’re going for with your selfie – some experimentation can go a long way!
Selfie Grip Styles
Within those camera angle categories, there are also a variety of different hand grips people use to stabilize their phones when taking selfies. Common one-handed selfie grips include:
The Finger Grip
Holding your phone between your thumb and index/middle finger.
The Claw Grip
Cradling your phone in your hand with all 5 fingers, like a claw.
The Palmar Pinch
Pinching the side of your phone between your fingers and palm.
The Back Grip
Gripping the back of your phone in your fingers.
And when using two hands, some popular grips are:
The Double Claw
Cradling your phone in both hands, claws facing each other.
The Finger-Palm
One hand claw, the other hand underneath for support.
The Stack
One hand holds the phone, the other stacks on top.
Experimenting with different grips can help you find the most comfortable, stable way to take one-handed or two-handed selfies.
Selfie Sticks and Accessories
Beyond just using your hands, another option for taking selfies is to use accessories like selfie sticks, tripods, and remote shutters. Statistics on selfie stick usage include:
- In a 2016 poll, 7% of Americans said they regularly use selfie sticks.
- Selfie stick sales peaked around 2015-2016 and have declined since then.
- 15% of millennials reported using selfie sticks in a 2019 survey.
While selfie sticks have waned in popularity, they can still be useful tools for taking self-portraits from farther away or at wider angles. Other accessories like mini tripods and wireless remote shutters can also come in handy for stabilization and convenience.
Gender Differences
Research shows some notable gender differences when it comes to selfie poses and phone grips:
- One study found that women are more likely than men to hold a phone up high overhead for selfies.
- Men tend to take selfies from below eye level more often than women.
- In candid selfies, women used one-handed grips 68% of the time compared to 60% for men.
- For posed selfies, 74% of women used one hand vs. 60% of men.
So according to current data, female selfie takers tend to use more one-handed poses, while men are more inclined toward two-handed grips and lower camera angles on average. But plenty of variation and overlap exists!
Age Differences
Younger generations who grew up with smartphones are much more prolific in their selfie taking compared to older people. Some key age-related selfie statistics include:
- 18-24 year olds take the most selfies, averaging about 172 selfies per year.
- This compares to baby boomers aged 55-64 who only take an average of 58 selfies per year.
- Over 60% of millennials have shared a selfie on social media.
- Some older users struggle with properly framing and stabilizing their phone for selfies.
So in general, younger smartphone users seem much more adept at taking selfies from flattering angles and using optimal phone grips. Older users can learn from their experience!
Cultural Differences
selfie culture also varies significantly across different countries and regions around the world:
- Asia accounts for about 40% of global selfie uploads based on data from social media platforms.
- Russia tops the list for most selfies taken per capita, followed by Australia.
- Japanese women take the most selfies globally based on averages.
- Americans take an above-average number of smiling selfies compared to more serious expressions in Eastern Europe and Asia.
These cultural differences show how beauty standards, social norms, and platform popularity can shape selfie behaviors in different global contexts.
Conclusion
While specific selfie grip techniques are deeply personal, overarching trends reveal fascinating patterns. Understanding how different demographics hold their phones for selfies provides insight into the ergonomics, optics, and psychology behind this defining 21st century phenomenon. As phone cameras and social platforms continue evolving, so too will the culture and science of the selfie grip.
| Country | Average # of Selfies Per Year | Most Common Selfie Grip |
|---|---|---|
| USA | 150 | One-handed, right hand |
| China | 200 | Two-handed |
| Japan | 300 | One-handed, high angle |
| India | 100 | One-handed, front-facing |
| Brazil | 120 | One-handed, low angle |
Here is some example data comparing average annual selfies and common selfie grip styles across different countries. This table illustrates the cultural and geographic variations in selfie taking around the world.
Selfie Grips by Age
| Age Range | Most Common Grip |
|---|---|
| 18-24 | One-handed, claw |
| 25-34 | One-handed, finger |
| 35-44 | Two-handed, stacked |
| 45-54 | Two-handed, double claw |
| 55-64 | One-handed, palmar pinch |
| 65+ | Two-handed, finger-palm |
This table breaks down the most popular selfie grip styles across different age groups. Younger smartphone-native users tend to prefer one-handed claws or fingers, while older users are more likely to use two hands for stabilization.
The Evolution of Selfies
Selfies have come a long way since the early days of front-facing phone cameras. Here is a brief evolution timeline of selfie technology and trends:
- 2003-2005 – Front-facing camera phones introduced, allowing for the first mobile selfies.
- 2011 – Instagram launched, mainstreaming selfies with filters and social sharing.
- 2012-2013 – Selfie named “word of the year”, reflecting its cultural status.
- 2014-2016 – Selfie sticks gain popularity for taking remote self portraits.
- 2017-2018 – Portrait mode and beauty filters perfect selfie aesthetics.
- 2019-2020 – Social distancing boosts selfies during COVID-19 pandemic.
- 2021-Present – Rise of AR filters and avatars brings new evolution to selfies.
As camera, app, and social media tech continues improving, so too will the art and science of the selfie. People will keep finding creative new ways to share their self portraits with the world.
The Psychology and Sociology of Selfies
Why do people obsess over taking and sharing the perfect selfie? Some psychological motivations include:
- Vanity – Using selfies to show off beauty, fashion style, status, etc.
- Belonging – Fitting in with peer groups by participating in selfie culture.
- Communication – Conveying messages and self-expression through self portraits.
- Attention – Craving external validation through “likes” and comments.
- Confidence – Using great selfies to build self-esteem.
- Memory – Capturing life milestones and fun moments via selfies.
There are also key sociological factors driving the selfie obsession:
- Celebrity and influencer selfie culture inspiring trends.
- The social approval and envy provoked by selfies on social media.
- Meme culture mocks personas like the “basic selfie girl”.
- Accessibility of selfie apps, tools, and digital editing.
- Smartphones and cameras designed for high-quality self portraits.
While some view selfie culture as narcissistic, it fulfills deep human needs for affirmation and connection. As technology evolves further, people will continue expressing identity and creativity through self-portraiture.
Pro Selfie Tips
To take your selfie game to the next level, incorporate these handy tips:
- Find your best side – Look for the most flattering face angle.
- Use optimal light – Front-facing in bright natural light works best.
- Focus on the eyes – This draws people into the photo.
- Get close – Filling the frame creates intimacy.
- Shoot slightly overhead – For slimming, elongating effects.
- Angle downwards – To seem relaxed rather than stiff.
- Consider rule of thirds – Position your face to the side, not center.
- Use accessories – Fun props like sunglasses or hats.
- Take lots – Vary your poses and pick the best shots.
Remember to have fun with it! Selfies are a great way to build confidence while showing off your personal style.