Profile Pictures – The Inside Scoop Of A Good Selfie

Profile Pictures – The inside scoop of a good selfie

When starting up a social media account, such as Facebook, one of the first things people do is add a profile picture. However is there such a thing as the right profile picture? Does it matter which one you choose? Individuals, who have done numerous studies on different types of profile pictures state YES…there is an underlying element in the type of picture chosen that has the ability to leave an impression, leave a bigger impact and gain you more followers.

A sexy profile picture verses a conservative one

Elizabeth Daniels, a renowned psychologist, conducted a study where she showed individuals an array of profile pictures, of which some were extremely sexy and alluring and others were more conservative. It was found that “alluring and edgy photos are seen as a sign that the subject isn’t credible or competent”, hence the conservative profile picture was found to be best.

Kevin Lee, author of the article The research and science behind the best profile picture, posits that individuals need to follow these key elements in a selecting the best profile picture

• Smile, smile, smile (and don’t forget to show off those teeth)
• Conservative profile pictures are best
• Wear dark colors. This was proven to have a greater effect and influence
• A picture showing a jawline with a shadow is preferable
• Head-and-shoulders, or head-to-waist photos are best
• Squinch your eyes slightly in order to avoid having “wide eyes” which may come across as vulnerable and fearful
• Unobstructed eyes
• Avoid hats and sunglasses

Be responsible

The type of profile picture that you choose may have a huge impact on how people perceive you. Parents and educators need to teach children to be responsible online and need to enforce the notion that whatever is posted online could have consequences in the future.

A guidelines by the Sheffield Hallam University on how to use social media responsibly stated that inappropriate use of social media include aspects such as alluring profile pictures, derogatory comments about people or workplaces, sharing personal information about others without consent and sharing sexually explicit material.