The 'Face' you put on Facebook is not really who you are. Yt is how you want your friend to see you, or how you want to be imagined. Your profile picture is not only seen by your friends - it's the face the world sees, including friends of friends, former school mates and all sorts of other people.
Some people change their pictures often, as they alter the image that they want to portray. However, most people choose and image only once and keep the same picture unaware of the possible consequences of a poorly chosen picture. After a while the owner becomes oblivious to how silly their image looks to other.
Most people standard, somewhat boring photos that resemble passport photos and are chosen to be deliberately neutral and conservative. Other choose outrageous part shots hat ruin reputations. This article looks as the various types of passport photos and what they convey about you.
There are several distinct types of Facebook profile image that can be identified.
Let's examine why people choose these types and what the say about you.
The quirky, silly shot - Some people choose a self-mocking image that makes fun of them. They choose an unflattering face showing a silly expression or stupid clothes or funny hats. This may be suitable for a very short period of time or to share with your friends, but it is hardly appropriate as a permanent image.
What it says about you: It is demeaning and conveys the sense that you don't care, you are shallow and don't have self respect and self-awareness.
The studio model portrait - Some people choose studio poses with professional make-up, stylish clothes and hairdos and mood lighting.
What it says about you: You are dishonest and aim to mislead and hide behind a mask. It implies that you have something to hide.
The cartoonized image - There are various websites that will convert a photo into a cartoon version of it.
What it says about you: You are shallow and you are afraid to display yours self as you really are - even a carefully chosen photo has to be doctored.
The Antique Portrait Image - There are various camera options that allow you to create and antique effect. Or not, if you employ some judicious cropping. Who needs a left ear, anyway?
What it says about you: You want to live in the past ad you are afraid to face the future.
Cartoons and Movie Personalities - There was an old fad or craze to post a picture of the celebrity you most resemble or your favorite cartoon character or movie star.
What it says about you: This is very out of date and pointless, especially for your more distant friends.
The Action Hero and Daredevils - Many people post images of themselves bungy jumping, rock-climbing, surfing, doing a wheelie on a mountain bike.
What it says about you: Your ordinary self is boring and your normal life in unexciting. You have to invent an active super-hero to compensate. Most people will think the images are fake anyway.
Picture of your child or children - Your child is very cute, at least to you.
What it says about you: You are so totally obsessed with your children that it is probably not worth contacting you.
The Natural Setting and Travel Pics - Many people included pictures of themselves in the sunset, cuddling a crocodile, being straggled by a boa constrictor or beneath a giant tree in the rainforest or beneath the Eiffel Tower.
What it says about you: You are hollow and lack the self consciousness to be yourself. You have to adorn yourself in the emperor's new clothes. Do bother me as I'm likely to be on another holiday by myself.
The Family Portrait - Why include the family instead of your own face.
What it says about you: You are family focused and will be unlikely to be fully committed and unlikely to be much fun . The Australian rock Group Skyhooks said in all with these lyrics
"Well all my friends are getting married Yes they're all growin' old They're staying home on weekends They're all doin' what they're told"
The Far and Away image - The person is so far in the
distance that you can barely see is a person in the frame, let alone any details of their face or appearance.
What it says about you: You are a very private person who wants to hide the details of what you really look like. You are obviously reserved, conservative and shy. You lack self confidence and are not really committed to this facebook thing.
Up Close In your Face and Impersonal - the person is so close to the lens that you can see their tonsils and dental work.
What it says about you: You want people to recognise that you are unique and funny and you hope that this in-your-face image will appeal to many who will want to be friends with such funny character. Think again no one will recognise your tonsils and they will regard you as shallow and unable to crack a funny joke.
Shot of you as a baby or child - The picture is one of the person as a child that was dragged out of the family album.
What it says about you: You live in the past and you were cute as a child but now you are boring and ugly. You are very conservative and stuck in a rut and you probably never change and amount to anything. Who wants to communicate with an ancient kid photo
The Pet Show - The photo of the family pet, with or without the owner.
What it says about you: People will interpret the images depending on what they think of various types of pets. It says nothing about you.
The Wedding Photo - Man and woman in a formal pose showing a wedding dress and tux.
What it says about you: You want everyone to know that you are now grown-up. You have stopped partying and settled down to a family life of watching Family Guy reruns and doing the dishes. You cannot party anymore and you are half of a couple rather than a single individual person.
The Party Picture - The image is of a person often with someone else,
clearly at a party.
What it says about you: You are stupid and young love partying but will probably be fired one of more jobs for something you posted on Facebook or a stupid email criticising the boss. You wish you were married do you could replace the picture with a wedding portrait, or pictures of your children.
Advice for Choosing a Better Image
There is no trust in social media without a photo and so must have one that is honest. The photo should look like you and should be recognizable in an instant. So use close up shots (head and shoulders). Use a smiling shot that is more appealing. Avoid all the mistakes listed above.