James Franco says his recent bed selfies on Instagram, alone or not, are his way of connecting with his followers and getting people talking. He says that he’s “become increasingly addicted to Instagram” and acknowledged that many people have accused him of taking too many selfies. On the “Today” show, he was even recognized as the selfie king. He has also said in his article, “The Meanings of the Selfie,” “Of course, the self-portrait is an easy target for charges of self-involvement, but, in a visual culture, the selfie quickly and easily shows, not tells, how you’re feeling, where you are, what you’re doing.”
A celebrity selfie has more value than a regular selfie regardless of the photo’s quality because it’s a special shot of someone who interests the general public. It’s the shot that the paparazzi dream of and the shot that every magazine wants to get their hands on. Not only is it a personal shot of the celebrity, but it’s also taken by the celebrity, making it more personal and desirable. Celebrities know what their followers want to see and they post it. The most desirable selfies are the stars on set, with another celebrity, out and about, or shirtless in bed.