2015: The Year of the Selfie Stick

Introduction

2015 was a year that will go down in history for reasons more frivolous than profound. It was the year of the selfie stick. Yes, that curious invention that allowed people to take selfies from impossible angles and distances. It might not do anything for world peace or climate change, but in 2015, the selfie stick was a cultural force to be reckoned with. So, let’s dive into the history and legacy of the selfie stick.

Origin of the Selfie Stick

The true origin of the selfie stick is shrouded in mystery, but we can say that the first documented use of a selfie stick was in the 1990s. A Canadian man named Wayne Fromm invented the Quik Pod, a lightweight extendable pole that could hold a camera, and he received a patent for it in 2005. But the real credit goes to some unknown Chinese inventor who came up with a similar product that was mass-produced and became a craze in Asia. From there, the selfie stick spread like wildfire and became a global sensation.

Rise of the Selfie Stick

By 2015, the selfie stick was everywhere. You couldn’t go to a tourist spot, a concert, a sports event, or an art gallery without encountering a sea of selfie sticks. Even celebrities and politicians were not immune to the charms of the selfie stick. They were posing with it in their selfies, and sometimes using it to take group photos. The selfie stick was no longer just a gadget, it was a cultural symbol of narcissism.

Controversy of the Selfie Stick

Not everyone was a fan of the selfie stick. Some people found it annoying, intrusive, and dangerous. Tourist attractions, museums, and theme parks started banning the selfie stick, citing safety concerns and disruption to other visitors. In some cases, people were injured or killed while using the selfie stick, either by falling off cliffs, getting hit by cars, or electrocuted. The selfie stick became a symbol of the ridiculousness of modern society and the obsession with self-promotion.

Legacy of the Selfie Stick

Like most fads, the selfie stick had a short but intense life. By 2016, it was already losing its appeal and becoming a punchline. People were making fun of it, parodying it, and using it ironically. The selfie stick was supplanted by other devices and trends, like drones, Snapchat, and virtual reality. But for a brief moment in time, the selfie stick was king. It made us feel empowered, connected, and foolish all at once. It was a reflection of our own vanity and creativity. And that’s what makes 2015 and the selfie stick worth remembering.