People tend to look at their phones instead of the camera when taking selfies because they are more focused on how they appear on the screen rather than the camera lens. This phenomenon can be attributed to the fact that people are more accustomed to seeing themselves in mirrors and screens, rather than through the lens of a camera. When people look at their phones, they are able to see themselves in real-time, which allows them to adjust their facial expressions, angle, and lighting to achieve the desired image.
Moreover, the rise of social media has made it easier for people to share their selfies and receive instant feedback in the form of likes and comments. This feedback loop can create a sense of validation and self-worth, which can lead to an addiction to selfie-taking. In fact, a 2017 study showed that people tend to angle their smartphones in order to photograph their own left cheek, indicating that they are more concerned with their appearance than the actual act of taking a photo.
The concept of the looking-glass self suggests that people's self-perception is influenced by how they think others see them. With the rise of social media, people are now able to curate their online presence and project an image of themselves that they want others to see. This has led to a culture of selfie-taking, where people are constantly trying to capture the perfect image of themselves to share with others.
In conclusion, people tend to look at their phones instead of the camera when taking selfies because they are more concerned with their appearance and how they are perceived by others. This phenomenon is influenced by the rise of social media and the desire for validation and self-worth.