While the internet and social media have brought both the good and bad out in our society, the most blatantly vain product of this era has been the selfie-stick. A product that defies all logic. A product that says “look at my face at this weird angle,” “I’m going to take this by myself so that I don’t have to interact with other human beings,” and most importantly “I’m going to extend my property several feet away from my body in a touristy area and pray that nobody takes it.” Barcelona, notorious for pickpockets, was a place where I saw hundreds of these confounding devices. The most irritating aspect, however, is that despite the fact that this is called a selfie stick, it’s primary method of functioning is to insert yourself into someone else’s personal space. The entire trip was marred by people thrusting their sticks across bus aisles and crowded streets. I know that this makes me sound old and crotchety, but people have been calling me an old soul since I was in kindergarten. Maybe one day, I’ll grow into it and finally be age appropriate.
Pro-tip: Do not buy a selfie-stick. It makes you look like a tool.