Selfie-takers overestimate their own attractiveness: study
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Doutzen Kroes spotted enjoying the sunshine on the Martinez Hotel Balcony during the 69th Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, France on May 16. [Photo/IC] |
Selfie takers perceive themselves as more attractive and likable in their selfies than in others' photos, while non-selfie takers view both photos similarly, psychologists said in a study published in Social Psychological and Personality Science.
Scientists at the University of Toronto looked at 198 college students: 100 of thom said they took regular selfies, and 98 said they rarely or never did.
They found taking regular selfies may increase people's susceptibility to self-favoring bias, causing them to overestimate the attractiveness of their photos more and more over time.
This effect may occur because selfie-takers develop strategies for taking flattering photos of themselves that are not as effective as they believe.
It could also be due to positive feedback in the form of likes on social media which reinforce an inflated sense of self.
Ironically, it seems that the practice of taking selfies appears to contribute to those photos being seen more negatively by others.
Given these findings, you might want to think twice before posting your next selfie.
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