Geekdom (Starwars, comics, videogames), its correlation with narcissism and Christian sanctification

I saw someone shared a news story on Christmas day with the following headlines, “Star Wars fans and video game geeks ‘more likely to be narcissists’, study finds.”  The first three paragraphs states

Those who take part in “geeky events” are more likely to have an “elevated grandiose” level of narcissism, according to a study conducted by the University of Georgia.

Psychologists examined the personality traits of those who turn to “geek culture”, developing a Geek Culture Engagement Scale and a Geek Identity Scale to help quantify the figures.

It was found that those who scored highly on both scales were more likely to narcissists.

Since we’re doing a current series on our blog on Christian worldview series on superheroes and comics I thought it was timely to post on this finding especially after reading the abstract to the actual study identified geek and geek culture relations to “obscure media” which include comics:

A geek is traditionally defined as an enthusiast who develops expertise on a topic through exceptional determination and devotion [1]. The word “geek” is used to describe not only enthusiasts in science, technology, and engineering but also especially devoted fans of media (i.e., “fandom geeks”). Here, we refer to geek culture as a subculture of enthusiasts that is traditionally associated with obscure media (Japanese animation, science fiction, video games, etc.). However, geek culture is becoming an increasingly mainstream influence on contemporary culture. Geek culture includes a range of activities such as role-playing games (e.g., Dungeons and Dragons), science fiction (e.g., Star Trek), comic books, and dressing in costumes (i.e., cosplay).

I think it is important to think carefully about the relationship of “geek” activities (video games, comics and Sci-Fi) and narcissism.  We must be careful not to think that just because someone likes comics or have watched the latest Star Wars that this must mean that we can instantly judge an individual to be a narcissist.  We don’t want to make the same logically fallacious jump as Job’s friend committed.  Also the researchers also acknowledge more studies need to be done and that they have just started to lay the foundation for further studies.

Yet at the same time I think the correlation between the two from this study should make those who enjoy a certain form of entertainment to stop and engage in an honest soul-search to see if this might be describing them.

I don’t think there’s something intrinsic about comic books that makes someone a narcissist.  I think the possible relationship between a “geek” and narcissism is suggested by what Jessica McCain, one of the study’s coauthor said to a writer with Science News: “Engaging in this fandom appears to be a way to feel powerful, to feel special in some way.”  Of course, if someone wishes to be stand out and be different for one’s own self-worth then the heart motivation is something of concern in biblical counseling.  Those involved with “geekdom” must ask themselves what is their heart motivation for them being a hardcore fan of X, Y or Z, and then evaluate the motivations biblically.  For instance, it is possible that one pursue being a geek as a form of escapism.  It’s a way of pursuing fantasies rather than face one’s bleak reality and the need for responsibility.  Let me say again that I’m not attributing this to all geeks but merely giving an example of possible problematic motivation.

The study also states “In a sense, then, geek culture might be an additional outlet for narcissism but not the only one used by individuals.”  So it’s not necessarily the activity of dressing up, reading comics or playing games that makes one narcissists but that “geekdom” might be a way of expressing one’s narcissism.

Besides asking the question of what is one’s heart motivation I think the other crucial diagnostic question is the importance of asking whether a person’s deepest satisfaction and pleasure will find its source from being self-identified and/or recognized by others as a “geek” or a “fan” of a particular source of entertainment.  For the Christian, one’s identity that gives one a longing satisfaction and contentment would be being identified with Christ.  That is, one’s union with Christ is now one’s identity.  Anything else short of Christ as the foundation for one’s identity for the source of lasting satisfaction would be idolatry.

Another possible way of understanding the relationship between “geekdom” and Narcissism is to take a step back and see the larger social context of “geekdom.”  I think “geekdom” is largely a phenomenon that enjoys its fullest Renaissance  in a context of economic affluence since one must has the time and financial means to pursue entertainment, where one does not have to worry about being on survival mode.  There is another interesting study mentioned in an article titled “Recessions take a lasting toll on narcissism.”  As the article’s subtitle states, “Hard economic times dent young adults’ self-regard for decades.”  Perhaps kids spoiled in a world where they are raised up in prosperity have a sense of self-entitlement that contribute to their narcissism.  Thus, in pursuing “geeky” things, narcissism rears its’ ugly head.  The sin of pride has a way of spilling into more than one’s domain in one’s life.

In summary, we have three pastoral diagnostic question concerning narcissism in one’s pursuit of media and entertainment that is often associated as “geeky.”  I write this for the sake of the believers’ sanctification:

1. Question of one’s motivation: “What is your heart motivation for being a fan of _________?  What does God’s Word has to say about your motivation?”
2. Question of one’s identity as basis of satisfaction: “Is the source of your deepest satisfaction and pleasure found in being self-identified and/or recognized by others as a “geek” or a “fan” of a particular source of entertainment, media, stories or characters?”
3. Question of one’s wholistic life: “Do you detect narcissism in other areas of your life?  Do others raise concern about any hints of you being a narcissist?”

If in the end we discover our own narcissism, how then do we cultivate humility as a virtue instead of the vice of pride?  Consider and meditate on Christ and the Gospel, and the Incarnation.  Start with Philippians 2.

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