Hate How You Look In Photos? Experts Explore The Psychology Behind This Phenomenon

According to Dr Matt Johnson, a neuroscientist and consumer psychology professor, our discomfort with photos of ourselves stems from the "mere-exposure effect."

Have you ever felt confident and stylish before a night out, only to be dismayed by photos taken later? The harsh reality of seeing yourself through a lens can be unsettling. Every flaw seems amplified, your face appears distorted, and your expressions are unsettling. What makes it worse is comparing yourself to others in the same photo. While they look effortlessly normal, you're left questioning your appearance. Even those with solid self-esteem can fall victim to the crushing effects of an unflattering picture. It can chip away at confidence, triggering a spiral of self-doubt and criticism.

According to Dr Matt Johnson, a neuroscientist and consumer psychology professor, our discomfort with photos of ourselves stems from the "mere-exposure effect." This psychological phenomenon suggests we prefer familiar views of ourselves, like mirror reflections. Photos disrupt this familiarity, causing discomfort.

''Since we see our mirror reflection far more often than photos, we become more comfortable with it”. So if you're checking your reflection in the bathroom every morning before you leave the house, you're likely to get familiar with that particular image of yourself, '' Mr Johnson said.