Identifying a Narcissist on Social Media

Identifying a Narcissist on Social Media

Identifying a Narcissist on Social Media

In today's digital age everyone is vying for attention and engagement on social media. Today we're excited to bring you another clip in the 3-hour installment of our Founder & CEO RB's Film Courage interview, which discusses how to identify narcissistic behavior from creatives on social media.

In this 4-minute clip, Identifying A Narcissist on Social Media is Easy, RB talks about the characteristics of a filmmaking, acting, producing, screenwriting narcissist and the mistakes they make by using this tactic. He talks about why the "hey look at me" approach won't work and why the give and take is important for your social presence as a creative.

The wide ranging interview covered a plethora of subjects including filmmaking, acting, screenwriting, distribution, indie film, the state or the industry, crowdfunding, crowdsourcing, social media, and networking in person, online and outside of LA to name a few.

Film Courage has begun releasing the interview in segments and we're happy to announce that we'll be bringing these videos to the community right here on the Stage 32 Blog. If you've missed the other Film Courage video posts so far, don't worry! You can access them here:


Like this blog post? Please share it on social media (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, email etc) by using social media buttons at the top of the blog. Or post to your personal blog and anywhere else you feel appropriate. Thank you.

As always, we welcome thoughts and remarks on of the content above in the Comments section below...

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About the Author

Stage 32 Staff - Julie

Stage 32 Staff - Julie

Director, Screenwriter, Editor

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40 Comments on Stage 32's Article

I love this post and the conversation that was sparked. In the end, it’s about having meaningful and fulfilling connections and experiences. Without, what is the point??? Thank RB! 
5 years ago
Natalie Chickee
Actor, Boom Operator, Camera Operator, Content Creator, Crafty, Creative Executive, Dialect Coach, Dialogue Editor, Director, Director of Photography, Editor, First Assistant Camera, Foley Artist, Gaffer/Lighting Technician, Host/Presenter, IT Tech, Produ
Great advice.  When helping people with social media or other communications I laughed so hard when you said that some people post over and over all about me me me.. it's so true.    I had to share that.   :-D
8 years ago
Adam James Mawson
Graphic Designer, Screenwriter, Visual Effects Artist, Actor, Director, Filmmaker, Producer
Interesting also very helpful.
8 years ago
Pat Savage
Actor, Director, Music Composer, Musician, Producer
Brilliant and the absolute truth bro. I come across people like this all the time. I can compare this behaviour to the musician whi you see at a jam session week in and week out and when you ask them what they are doing they tell you how they are writing and in the studio and jamming with this famous one and that hot one so I always ask them"If you're so busy why are you hanging out with the guys who are looking for projects or bringing the new band to crowd test the new songs and sound. All talk no action. I am a good social media manager but I have the projects that require real promotional efforts to get the word out. I have yet to do a crowd funding campaign but if and when I do I wil follow your great advice and do it right. Thank you for this my friend and thanks for your valuable time and knowledge.
8 years ago
Farrah Fire
Singer, Actor, Dancer
Yeah there's so much demanding from that social media life it's glaring. There's no getting around it you still gotta know what job you want and interact with the people that you want to work with respectfully with interest after you have developed skills. With all the hype out there the real stand out even more. You get nothing for nothing on either side..
10 years ago
Farrah Fire
Singer, Actor, Dancer
I hear you Michael one can become quite jaded in traffic and start to hate everything but seriously you cannot judge people like that you know it just comes back to you and them judging you. It's so hard to not judge especially when you have been burned but don't waste your time ...the city's are big and mean in the end the users get used and it's so terribly sad all the pretty young people forced into this and that. Remember nice guys finish last just like the old story of the Turtle and the Hare. The Turtle won the day cause he didn't blow it with Maddness right in the beginning. Keep on trucken brother the Arts is a lifetime commiment whose rewards are more that gold ;) !
8 years ago
Michael Milford
actor, producer, screenwriter
I just had to come back to heap some love on your gold rush metaphor. What brings it home for me is doing a 10mph crawl through midnight gridlock on the 10 freeway. I look around at all the anonymous single occupant cars and I curse the people who help to overpopulate LA more and more each year since 1850. The ones who came to town without a skill set, without talent...without a plan of any kind evidentially. The idea seems to be 'head for Hollywood and sponge off whomever I can for as long as I can...until the world stops whatever it is they're doing to catch up to my latent brilliance. And once I am 'discovered' showbiz will reward me fitfully. Just for being me, godammit.' This line of reasoning dovetails ever so nicely into your shout out to the liars, thieves, and pretenders who will say or do literally ANYTHING...provided it can convince the few remaining trusting souls to fork over their money, sex, adoration...and the last of their faith in people's goodness. You said a mouthful - after 166 years of sifting we are left with a panful of leeches.
8 years ago
Brian Flanagan
Screenwriter
A narcissist is someone who's better-looking than I am.
9 years ago
George John Kingsnorth
director, director of photography, editor, filmmaker, photographer (still), screenwriter, storyboard artist, videographer
I had been meaning to watch this for a couple of days now, so am glad I finally managed to get around to watching. As an editor I am used to being hidden in the background and what was pushed to the limelight was the film we had been working on. The difficulty I was finding with social media was how narcissistic everything had become. I have been developing on-line courses and had been watching quite a few, seeing the same issues. In a traditional classroom, I was there to facilitate the student in their learning and collaborating in their development. They key thing was interaction. I found this video very useful and encouraging. Thanks.
10 years ago
Gerri George
Producer, Screenwriter
George, Michael Wiese is wise (excuse the pun). He got that right: collaboration makes a team productive. I would add: collaboration, and avoid the ego. I began my literary career writing short stories. My editors always helped make my work better, and I was always grateful for their input. It has to work the same way in film making. Terrific that you collaborated with your students.
9 years ago
Richard RB Botto
Actor, Producer, Screenwriter, Voice Artist
A great message and good on you for passing it on to your students. In this DIY world where films are being pieced together across continents, the message has never been more true. Appreciate your outlook on things and your collaborative spirit!
10 years ago
Andrew Hall
Photographer (Still), Filmmaker, Graphic Designer
I see this often, and I don't even have that many followers. I have supported several kickstarters though, which could mean these people also target supporters of other crowdfunding campaigns.
10 years ago
Gerri George
Producer, Screenwriter
I've contributed to various films on crowdfunding. I've learned a lot about filmmaking via their updates and ongoing communication. I view targeted crowdfunding, for me, as another way to supplement my education about movie making. Similarly, STAGE 32 an excellent source of learning. Thanks for the site!
9 years ago
Richard RB Botto
Actor, Producer, Screenwriter, Voice Artist
They certainly do, Andrew. I talk about that here: https://www.stage32.com/blog/Most-Likely-Reason-Why-People-Fail-At-Crowdfunding-2
10 years ago
Andrew Bee
Actor, Dancer
But I am a genius, Robby, what's wrong with you? Why can't you see my talent? :)) Thanks again for your consistent message. I am so glad I am part of this network.
10 years ago
Andrew Bee
Actor, Dancer
Oh my God, Richard. I was just going over my old posts and I found this one. I forgot about it. Anyway, I was pretending to be a narcissist in response to your video. Sorry, my humor is a little ridiculous at times.
10 years ago
Andrew Bee
Actor, Dancer
Ha Ha, I love it.
10 years ago
Joseph Weisnewski
Music composer
Thanks for the post. Always a pleasure to hear what you have to say.
10 years ago
Richard RB Botto
Actor, Producer, Screenwriter, Voice Artist
Maurizo, I wish you all the best with your feature and I thank you for taking time out of your day to send such positivity my way. Sending all sorts of good vibes back in your direction!
10 years ago
Richard RB Botto
Actor, Producer, Screenwriter, Voice Artist
Some might argue that point, Joseph! But I'm glad that's not the case in this instance! Thanks for posting!
10 years ago
Sidney Crudup II
Author, Musician, Playwright, Publisher, Theatrical Producer
RB.....YOU are the man....appreciate your knowledge. Thanks brother. You know, sometimes we think something means one thing and then someone else adds another dimension to the definition. You did that on this piece. Gave me a lot to think about and to absorb....and certainly to apply.
10 years ago
Richard RB Botto
Actor, Producer, Screenwriter, Voice Artist
So glad to hear it, Sidney. Life is so much more rewarding when we can give back and pass on a little of what we've learned along the way. And when it connects, even more so. Thank you for taking the time to make this post. Brightened my day, and I'm very grateful.
10 years ago
Love this very helpful
10 years ago
Richard RB Botto
Actor, Producer, Screenwriter, Voice Artist
So very happy to hear that, Brenda. Thanks for posting.
10 years ago
Jose A. Zuniga Jr
Screenwriter, Author
I watched this video and really enjoyed it. There are many points that I agree with. Thank you, RB.
10 years ago
Richard RB Botto
Actor, Producer, Screenwriter, Voice Artist
Glad you found those useful as well. We're always recording new content and will post some more soon. We have some great stuff coming up with many of the executives we work with as well.
10 years ago
Jose A. Zuniga Jr
Screenwriter, Author
Many thanks again. I have viewed the other videos posted at your Youtube channel. I shall continue to view them for inspiration and to gain new knowledge. In addition, I shall continue to retweet them as well. Again, great job.
10 years ago
Meredythe Dee Winter
actor, comedian, director, filmmaker, host/presenter, marketing/pr, music composer, musician, narrator, producer, screenwriter, singer, voice actor
Excellent post. Thanx for the info RB, so that we can all avoid the pitfalls!
10 years ago
Bobby Galinsky
producer, Screenwriter
I was going to watch the video but I kept getting distracted looking in the mirror and also counting my twitter followers every 9 seconds... Great post RB... sincerely... the 'broadcast' vs. 'engage' clarity is something everyone can learn from.
10 years ago
Iwona Buziak-Mohamed
Animator, Concept Artist, Costume Designer, Illustrator, Puppeteer, Set Designer, Storyboard Artist
Thank you, this is a great advice.
10 years ago
Darlene Blanchard
production assistant, screenwriter
Excellent topic for today's times. RB tells it like it is and calls out bad social media approach done by the misinformed narc.
10 years ago
Richard RB Botto
Actor, Producer, Screenwriter, Voice Artist
No reason to be anything but a straight shooter, Darlene! Thanks for commenting!
10 years ago
Debbie Elicksen
Marketing/PR, Content Creator, Unit Publicist, Author, Host/Presenter
As usual, RB nails it. :) Sharing the heck out of this.
10 years ago
Richard RB Botto
Actor, Producer, Screenwriter, Voice Artist
Thank you for watching, commenting and, most importantly, sharing, Debbie. Means so much to me. Hope all is well in your neck of the woods!
10 years ago
Brian Shell
Author, Musician, Screenwriter, Director, Editor
RB... this is a topic I really struggle with as an author of 30+ eBooks... yet with relatively dismal sales... I want to promote... yet, over the years, I've taken on a more laid back approach... deciding to try to help others and provide insightful feedback/posts... moreso than sending out blasts for my books that I feel (really) seem like spam (in the long run)... kinda like the Monty Python stage play "*Spam-a-Lot*" ;-) However, it's not like my books are paying all my bills like I'd like them to... so I work a day job... and hope that (eventually) the sales will come... through word-of-mouth... and curiosity... due to the Quality of my posts... rather than the Quantity of my posts. Really, it seems like a double-edged sword... and as the saying goes: "*Don't give a sword to a man who cannot dance*."
10 years ago
Brian Shell
Author, Musician, Screenwriter, Director, Editor
Like the Zen saying goes, "*Perfect yourself first and then everything you do will come out perfect.*"
10 years ago
Richard RB Botto
Actor, Producer, Screenwriter, Voice Artist
Totally understand, Brian. I always contend that much of your time on social media should be building the brand of YOU. And believe me, you can brand yourself more as someone who engages than someone who only broadcasts. The more you build an audience supportive of YOU, the easier it becomes to move that audience to support your work.
10 years ago
Dee Chilton
Screenwriter
Hey, RB Yo!...take a look at my... only joking. Really liked this video, thanks for posting. :-)
10 years ago
Chuck Fasst
camera operator, crew, filmmaker, key grip, marketing/pr, photographer (still), production assistant, researcher, script consultant, second assistant camera, videographer
The Narcissistic Personality Disorder is prevalent in society and on the increase. Maybe somewhere around 5% of society. It is hard to tell but there have been some studies. I write about it often. I would say that the percentage is higher in Hollywood. I have heard of clinics there that specialize in the disorder. There is some treatment for this but not everybody knows that there is no cure.
10 years ago
Thank you R.B. Your video clip has given me confidence.
10 years ago
Adra Janean
Actor, Host/Presenter, Producer
I listened to this as I was walking to class this morning, and boy, did it hit home! The messages in the twitter boxes with links to projects, with no previous interactions is soooo annoying!!!! I agree, take the time to interact and get to know people, way more rewarding, and totally make tons of amazing friends and creatives along the way. It's about quality connections, not quantity :) Four minutes of my life well spent RB! BRAVO!
10 years ago
Richard RB Botto
Actor, Producer, Screenwriter, Voice Artist
I do what I can ;)
10 years ago
Adra Janean
Actor, Host/Presenter, Producer
lol - RB, you are way too hilarious! I think my neighbors five blocks away heard me busting out in laughter right about "Man if I had a dollar for..." OMG!!!!!!!!!! I am still giggling.
10 years ago
Jonathan Kramer
Producer, Content Creator, Screenwriter
RB.. I couldn't agree more and oddly enough, one of the characters in the Transmedia project in development, "[N]tangled Life", is one of these social narcissists you mention. The Internet is by definition the 'information highway'. Social media is about sharing life and information, not tooting your horn. The biggest talents in the industry have no need to boast; their work speaks for itself.
10 years ago
Jonathan Kramer
Producer, Content Creator, Screenwriter
Very cool RB.. As an aside I told you about Richard Russo's novel, Straight Man. He writes many including Nobody's Fool, which as you know was adapted to screen and starred the great Paul Newman. This book is one of the best I've read in ages in spite of being 18 years old. You will love the characters and story but the humor will have you laughing out loud.. 5 stars all the way!
10 years ago
Richard RB Botto
Actor, Producer, Screenwriter, Voice Artist
When creating, the work should speak for itself. When using social media, the personality behind the posts should speak for itself. A little awareness goes a long way. And speaking of transmedia, Jon, I have something coming soon I think you'll like.
10 years ago
LindaAnn Loschiavo
Film/Theatre Journalist, Playwright, Screenwriter
Excellent post from R.B., proving (once again) that commonsense is not common! When a person adds me, then follows up with posts like "look at my reel" and "check out my demo" or "see my You Tube video," I DROP this narcissist asap. Thanks, R.B.
10 years ago
Richard RB Botto
Actor, Producer, Screenwriter, Voice Artist
Yeah, well, I bite my tongue often. Thanks for the shout-out! Appreciated!
10 years ago
LindaAnn Loschiavo
Film/Theatre Journalist, Playwright, Screenwriter
And you are so diplomatic, calling these folks "broadcasters" vs PESTS! R.B., I gave you a shout-out today on Twitter (-- a tweet from Mae Westside). :-D
10 years ago
Thanks RB, very enlightening. It kinda reminds me of how some people interact even on here. I have had so many people request an add and then proceed to ask me what I do! Do people not read a person's BIO? Every request I get, I check their BIO first, then decide if I want to add them. So I know who and what I am talking about when I do decide to interact with them. I also go back and recheck their BIO before I start chatting with them. A little reading goes a long way, otherwise what is the point of having your BIO there. Cheers
10 years ago
Thanks Brian and RB
10 years ago
Richard RB Botto
Actor, Producer, Screenwriter, Voice Artist
A great and so extremely valid point, Cindy. When it comes to networking or fact-finding, there is no excuse for laziness. Every single one of these people are sending the wrong first impression.
10 years ago
JD Glasscock
Director, Screenwriter
love the info and viewpoint, should support all people's dreams and the hard work it takes.....filmmaking is a teamsport...
10 years ago
Richard RB Botto
Actor, Producer, Screenwriter, Voice Artist
No question, JD. Well put.
10 years ago
Rosalie Pullara
author, concept artist, music composer, playwright, singer
Thanks, RB. Your advice on "What not to do" is as important as what to do. I appreciate what you're doing.
10 years ago
Richard RB Botto
Actor, Producer, Screenwriter, Voice Artist
That's the truth, Roz. Thank you. I appreciate you taking the time to watch and post.
10 years ago
Ajay Jhaveri
Photographer (Still)
Great insight and commentary on the use of Social Media. Great job RB
10 years ago
Richard RB Botto
Actor, Producer, Screenwriter, Voice Artist
Ajay! Awesome to see you, brother! Hope this will become a regular occurrence!
10 years ago
Marco A. Mendoza
actor, assistant director, filmmaker, producer, screenwriter, story analyst, translator
Great stuff and a very interesting point Thanks.
10 years ago
Chris Connell
Actor, Screenwriter
Good stuff RB. Thank you.
10 years ago
Richard RB Botto
Actor, Producer, Screenwriter, Voice Artist
Pleasure is all mine, Chris. Thanks for the post.
10 years ago
Eric Lemieux
Music Composer
Thanks! Interesting point.
10 years ago
Richard RB Botto
Actor, Producer, Screenwriter, Voice Artist
You're most welcome, John. Thanks for the comment.
10 years ago
Richard RB Botto
Actor, Producer, Screenwriter, Voice Artist
Glad you found it interesting, Eric!
10 years ago
Carmela Hayslett
Actor, Editor
Great video! I don't think most performers mean to be narcissistic so this is great reminder to stay grounded. One should always remember they are trying to engage people and that they should be treated as such. I personally hate when someone I don't know or someone who doesn't talk to me asks me to look at their stuff. They could be more humble about it. If someone's nice to me and treats me like a human being-- I'm an instant fan!
10 years ago
Richard RB Botto
Actor, Producer, Screenwriter, Voice Artist
Well said, Brian.
10 years ago
Richard RB Botto
Actor, Producer, Screenwriter, Voice Artist
Not always performers, Carmela. It's film producers, promoters and marketers as well. I do hear and agree with your points about performers, however!
10 years ago
Natasha Powell
Screenwriter, Comedian, Illustrator
Wow, I've never even thought about this. Great Vid.
10 years ago
Richard RB Botto
Actor, Producer, Screenwriter, Voice Artist
Glad to add a little somethin' to think about to your day, Natasha! Thanks for posting.
10 years ago
Ichael Gallegos
actor, screenwriter
RB; Thank you for the videos, this one and others.
10 years ago
Richard RB Botto
Actor, Producer, Screenwriter, Voice Artist
You are so very welcome. And thank you for watching and commenting. Means a great deal.
10 years ago
Delia COlvin
screenwriter
Thanks RB! Really great video! You hit on one of my social media pet peeves and explained it beautifully.
10 years ago
Richard RB Botto
Actor, Producer, Screenwriter, Voice Artist
Thank you, Delia! Glad we could smash that peeve together!
10 years ago
Karynne Summars
Author, Producer, Screenwriter, Film/Theatre Journalist
Excellent explanation and so true. I get these messages on Twitter all the time, like listen to my music, look at my YouTube video, etc. and get tagged so it shows up in my feed. I generally mute these.
10 years ago
Richard RB Botto
Actor, Producer, Screenwriter, Voice Artist
As do I, Karyanne. Especially if I see they're spamming the same message to their entire network. Lazy and annoying? No thank you.
10 years ago
LeAnn Morris
Producer, Screenwriter
RB, thanks so much for the advice of how to engage people well on social media, and how not to do it.
10 years ago
Richard RB Botto
Actor, Producer, Screenwriter, Voice Artist
You are more than welcome, LeAnn. Appreciate you taking the time not only to watch, but to post!
10 years ago
Hey Richard great advice and observations. xx Thanks for sharing
10 years ago
Richard RB Botto
Actor, Producer, Screenwriter, Voice Artist
Yeah, but they can't help it, Steven. The grown adults can.
10 years ago
Richard RB Botto
Actor, Producer, Screenwriter, Voice Artist
You are so welcome, Christina. Glad you enjoyed and found the information helpful!
10 years ago
Joda Pyle
actor, author, director, filmmaker, producer, screenwriter, student
This is definitely a huge problem. It seems as though many of these social media narcissist become so wrapped up in the look at me that they lose track of their creativity and proper communication skills in general. Quite sad actually. Thanks for the well-stated blog update!
10 years ago
Richard RB Botto
Actor, Producer, Screenwriter, Voice Artist
You are more than welcome, Joda. Thanks for watching and posting.
10 years ago
Plain and simple everything is about your narcissim in social media, Caitlyn Jennner, aka Bruce Jenner. And plenty others. I don't care for others delusional reality shows on my soical network pages. Unfriend, Ta Da promblem solved. Get to the point.
10 years ago
Richard RB Botto
Actor, Producer, Screenwriter, Voice Artist
The choice is yours. Absolutely.
10 years ago
Nick Belail
Director, Producer, Photographer (Still)
Ya' know, sometimes you have to eat a big dish of humble pie when you first realize, then accept that you've been doing things the wrong way. Your article hits home. Reflecting on my own Twitter interactions, there's been a lot of one-sided sharing-- "Here's a production still from the film I'm currently working on" and not enough give and take. As you said, we wouldn't walk into a room full of people and shout, "Look at me!", In "real life", no one likes the parent who casually and constantly shoves pictures of their kids in your face, but we sometimes do just that on social media. A problem, once identified, can at least be addressed... Thanks, RB, for the reminder that social media interactions require balance.
10 years ago
Richard RB Botto
Actor, Producer, Screenwriter, Voice Artist
Great post, Nick. Life is a learning curve (and a flat circle according to McConaughey in True Detective), but as long as we keep riding that curve as opposed to slipping back or sitting idle, we're making progress.
10 years ago
Alessandro Marafioti
music composer
Hi rb. Having my cup of coffe on stage32 getting educated. The site is a breath of fresh air . Thanks for starting the wheel turning , and thanks to all the members who help the process . Great community
10 years ago
Richard RB Botto
Actor, Producer, Screenwriter, Voice Artist
Coffee and education...Sounds like my kind of morning, Alessandro!
10 years ago
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