What Your Profile Picture Is Really Saying About You

Anytime a photo is posted or published for the wider world to see, there are endless consequences beyond the validation of a "like," so what real bearing does a single photo have? And who sees it?

A recent Psychology Today article, unnervingly titled "Why Profile Pictures Are Liars," not only sheds light on the matter, but makes us rethink every self-portrait we've ever chosen for ourselves, or for that matter uploaded to social platforms. While, theoretically, our social media accounts are populated by close friends, sometimes creepy acquaintances, and highly observant, vocal family members, a profile picture has far wider reach than that. That tiny thumbnail graces the pages of our professional, social, and personal profiles and the impact of that innocuous picture can be lasting.

In their study, researchers queried participants online, asking them to view and rate headshots on personality characteristics including attractiveness, competence, creativity, meanness, trustworthiness, and intelligence without any additional information about that person. The portraits were all taken in similar lighting, but some varied by having the person show slightly different facial expressions. The shocking conclusion: "Virtually any change in photos of the same person altered participants' impressions of their personality just as much as viewing photos of different people altogether."

This notion goes beyond whether you find someone attractive or not—intelligence and temperament come into the fold as well. Despite what little merit is behind these conclusions, snap judgments can have a lasting impact. As our mediated selves extend to every nook and cranny of the web, a single profile picture can mean the difference between your next relationship, a substantial step in your career, new roommates, and dismissal.

Apps like Tinder are a perfect example of this. If you think someone is spending time crawling through your "about me" section to see if your interests align on a deeper level, you've been sorely misinformed. With the swipe of a finger, you've been cast into the potential partner box or rejected with no test in personal or social chemistry.

Similarly, profile pictures can act as a social gauge in your friendships and to your acquaintances. Especially in cities, when browsing potential roommates on Craiglist—and subsequently Facebook stalking these candidates— a single photo can have you deemed fun loving, interesting, or no dice.

Online personas can have legitimacy, though. Facebook can give someone insight into your unique style through thoughtful angles, filters, and well-crafted outfits. LinkedIn photos can showcase your professional edge through a high quality picture or a polished outfit. Instagram photos can indicate that you're a free spirit or a refined traveler. But ultimately, one quick look can correctly or incorrectly put you in a box— and without further investigation, this categorization can stick.

These findings may not be earth-shattering or revolutionary, but they do highlight the weight of a first impression—and without the context of a conversation or interaction are we discounting ourselves, friendships, or relationships without meaning to? Or is it really just as simple as a "like?"

Psychology Today