Psychology tells us that narcissists have certain tendencies and habits when they’re craving that spotlight.
They do things differently, and if you know what to look for, you can spot these behaviors a mile away.
In this article, we’ll dive into those distinct actions that narcissists take on the internet when that need for attention kicks in.
But don’t worry, we’re keeping it simple and easy to understand, so buckle up and let’s dive in.
The internet has made it incredibly easy for us to share every aspect of our lives.
And while there’s nothing wrong with keeping friends and family updated, narcissists take this to a whole new level.
Psychology tells us that narcissists have an inflated sense of their own importance.
This often translates into oversharing online, especially when they’re craving attention.
You’ll find them posting frequently about their daily lives, accomplishments, and experiences, often in painstaking detail.
From their morning coffee to their late-night thoughts – no detail is too small or insignificant.
The goal? To keep the spotlight firmly on them. They want reactions, comments, likes and shares – anything that validates their importance.
However, it’s essential to remember that not everyone who overshares is a narcissist.
It’s the intent behind the action that often reveals the true nature.
2) They always shift the conversation back to themselves
Ever had a conversation with someone who always seems to bring the topic back to themselves?
That’s something I’ve personally experienced with an acquaintance online.
I remember a time when I shared a post about a personal achievement.
It was a proud moment for me, and I was excited to share it with my friends. The comments were overwhelmingly supportive, except for one.
This particular acquaintance didn’t congratulate me.
Instead, they left a lengthy comment about their own achievements, completely unrelated to my post.
It was as if they were trying to outdo me, stealing the spotlight and making it about them.
Psychology tells us this is classic narcissist behavior.
When they’re craving attention, they’ll find ways to shift the focus back onto themselves, even at the cost of others’ feelings.
A narcissist’s need for attention often outweighs their consideration for others.
3) They thrive on controversy and drama
Narcissists have a knack for stirring the pot and creating drama, especially when they’re seeking attention online.
Why? Because conflict and controversy naturally draw attention.
Take a look at any heated online debate, and you might find a narcissist at the center, fanning the flames.
They’ll share controversial opinions, polarizing posts, or delve into heated debates – not necessarily because they believe in the cause, but because it gets them noticed.
A study found that people who score high on narcissism are also likely to be trolls.
Trolling behavior, such as posting inflammatory content or purposely upsetting others, is another way narcissists garner attention online.
4) They’re masters of the humblebrag
Ever encountered someone who subtly boasts about their achievements under the guise of self-deprecation or modesty?
That’s a ‘humblebrag’, and narcissists online are experts at it.
Let’s say someone posts, “I can’t believe I made such a silly mistake in my presentation today, but somehow, I still ended up winning the Best Presenter award!”
This is a classic example of a humblebrag. It seems like they’re being self-deprecating about their mistake, but the real aim is to highlight their achievement.
Narcissists use this tactic to seek attention without appearing overtly boastful.
They get to share their accomplishments and still come across as modest, thereby avoiding backlash.
It’s a manipulation technique that allows them to bask in the spotlight without seeming too obvious about it.
5) They rarely engage in meaningful conversations
While the internet provides a platform for meaningful dialogues and deep connections, narcissists often use it as a stage to broadcast their life and opinions without engaging in genuine conversation.
You’ll find them posting about their views and experiences, but when it comes to discussing other people’s ideas or feelings, they’re often conspicuously absent.
Comments on their posts are met with generic responses, if at all.
And when they do comment on others’ posts, it’s usually to steer the conversation back to themselves.
This behavior stems from their craving for attention and validation.
Engaging in meaningful dialogues requires a level of empathy and vulnerability that doesn’t align with their self-centered tendencies.
It’s a crucial sign to look out for when identifying narcissistic behavior online.
6) They lack empathy in their interactions
The internet is a space where we share our joys and sorrows, triumphs and failures.
It’s a place where we seek comfort and validation from others.
However, narcissists often fail to provide this empathy, especially when they’re seeking attention.
Instead of offering words of comfort or understanding, they might dismiss people’s feelings or experiences, or worse, make light of them.
They may even ignore posts that require an empathetic response, choosing instead to engage with content that serves their agenda.
This lack of empathy can make interactions with narcissists feel hollow and one-sided.
It’s a stark reminder that behind the curated online personas and attention-seeking posts, there’s often a profound disconnect from the feelings and experiences of others.
7) They constantly seek validation
There was a time when I felt compelled to ‘like’ or comment on a friend’s post, not because it resonated with me, but because I knew they were expecting it.
Their need for validation was palpable in every post, every photo.
Narcissists thrive on validation.
They crave affirmation and praises to boost their self-esteem.
You’ll often find them posting content specifically designed to garner likes, comments, and shares.
A perfect selfie, a gourmet meal, a luxurious vacation – their posts are meticulously crafted to portray a perfect life and attract admiration.
The need for validation is deeply rooted in their sense of self-worth.
However, this constant seeking of approval can be quite taxing for those around them.
8) They’re often perfectionists
One might assume that narcissists, with their inflated sense of self-importance, would be comfortable showcasing their flaws. Surprisingly, that’s rarely the case.
Narcissists are often perfectionists, particularly when it comes to their online persona.
They meticulously curate their online presence to project an image of perfection.
Every post, every photo, every comment is carefully crafted to ensure it aligns with this flawless image.
But why? Because any sign of imperfection might shift the attention away from them or worse, invite criticism.
And criticism is something narcissists aren’t particularly fond of.
So, they go to great lengths to maintain this facade of perfection, even if it’s far removed from their real life.
This obsession with perfection is another significant sign of narcissistic behavior online.
It’s not about portraying an authentic life but about ensuring they remain the center of attention.
9) They frequently engage in name-dropping and status updates
Another tactic narcissists use to garner attention online is frequent name-dropping and status updates.
They’re quick to share who they’re with, what exclusive event they’re attending, or which high-status individual they just had a conversation with.
This isn’t just about sharing experiences; it’s a strategic move to associate themselves with success and prestige.
It’s a way to elevate their status and, by extension, command more attention.
Similarly, narcissists tend to post frequent status updates about their achievements, wealth, or personal life.
These posts often serve no purpose other than to remind others of their ‘superior’ status and lifestyle.
10) They exhibit a sense of entitlement
Above all, narcissists display a strong sense of entitlement in their online interactions.
They believe they deserve more attention, more likes, more comments than others.
They expect others to constantly engage with their content and get upset when this expectation isn’t met.
This sense of entitlement often translates into demanding behavior.
They might guilt-trip people for not interacting with their posts or even confront them directly and they believe their content deserves to be seen and appreciated more than others.
This entitlement, coupled with their need for constant validation, forms the crux of a narcissist’s online behavior.
Recognizing this can help you understand and navigate your interactions with them better.
