There were a total of 77 participants (18 male, 59 female). They were fitted with a 14-electrode, quick application EEG headset.

Participants answered several personality questionnaires, including the narcissistic personality inventory (NPI). Participants were randomly assigned to one of three picture viewing conditions: a selfie with likes condition, a selfie only condition (view a “selfie” with no feedback), and neutral picture condition (neutral picture; control condition). This was before and after completing a auditory startle task, which was an ERP (event-related potentials) component that reflects emotional arousal and is sensitive to psychological distress.