Selfies Vs. The Mirror — Why Do We Look Better In The Latter?

At some point in our lives, we have wondered why on earth do we look different (and better) in the mirror than in photos. What is this sorcery, right?

There were probably moments when you felt like you look like a 10 while checking yourself out in the mirror before leaving the house to go to a party, then you see those selfies and you suddenly realize you rated yourself wrong. Guess what? You’re not alone.

Ever wondered why you look better in the mirror than in a photograph?

As it turns out, the answer to that question is quite simple. The truth of the matter is that we have spent our lives seeing our faces in the mirror, and we have become used to seeing our face that way. So when we reverse that image, as we see ourselves in photographs, it doesn’t look right. This is called the “mere-exposure” effect.

So no, nothing out there is trying to sabotage you.

The mirror is a reflection. It’s not the real you.

Pamela Rutledge, director of the Media Psychology Center, said:

“We see ourselves in the mirror all the time — you brush your teeth, you shave, you put on makeup … Looking at yourself in the mirror becomes a firm impression. You have that familiarity. Familiarity breeds liking. You’ve established a preference for that look of your face.”

Photographs are only an interpretation of the actual image.

Have you ever suspected that your camera might have something to do with how different you look in photos than in real life? More than likely, you were correct.

But don’t get too depressed just yet about how you look in pictures, because the more of them you take, the more you’ll get used to your image in your photos.