Cogn Res Princ Implic April 2017 PMID 28470036

Choosing face: The curse of self in profile image selection.

David White, Clare A M Sutherland, Amy L Burton

Mentions

19
Peak: 6 in Apr 2017
across 5 sources since Apr 2017

Extended reach

100,818
potential audience

Total likes

1,428

Video views

94,871

Mentions per month

Apr 2017 – Feb 2025

Where it's discussed

  • X / Twitter5 posts
  • Facebook5 posts
  • News4 articles
  • YouTube3 videos
  • Blogs2 articles

AI synopsis

What people are saying

This collection of discussions highlights the acknowledgment that people often struggle with selecting optimal profile images due to self-perception bias, exemplified by phrases like 'not at all representative of who they are' and references to the influence of external editors. The tone ranges from reflective to slightly pragmatic, emphasizing both the psychological aspects and practical implications of image choice.

AgreementModerate agreement

Most posts recognize the core idea that self-perception influences profile image choices, showing general agreement with the publication's findings.

InterestModerate interest

Posts express moderate interest, discussing how online identities differ from real life and the challenges of selecting effective images.

EngagementModerate engagement

The discussion demonstrates some engagement; for example, one post mentions the role of external help like friends or managers in image selection, indicating deeper reflection.

ImpactModerate impact

The influence of the research is acknowledged, especially in how profile images affect social impressions across platforms like LinkedIn and dating apps, suggesting a meaningful impact on online interactions.

Abstract in brief

  • People tend to choose profile images that create positive social impressions, but they often select images for themselves that are less effective than those chosen by others.
  • People generally believe they are good at selecting their own best profile pictures, but the study found they tend to make suboptimal choices due to their self-perception.
  • The findings highlight that the images people pick for their profiles influence first impressions significantly, and the choices they make themselves are not always the most favorable for social outcomes.]

Top posts

Most liked on X and Bluesky
Ethan Decker
@ehdecker · X

@yesnoum @SamuelBrealey Yes! The power of the editor/manager/friend. Apparently it helps even when picking profile photos for linkedin and dating apps and whatnot. https://t.co/TD2tFqF6yX

Aug 26, 2020 · 1 like · 2,963 followers View post →
Jim Bloom
@jimmyroybloom · X

https://t.co/j7rGDL8JzH

Jul 11, 2022 · 2,470 followers View post →
Mishari Muqbil @mishari@floss.social
@mishari · X

Choosing face: The curse of self in profile image selection | Cognitive Research: Principles and Implications | Full Text - https://t.co/MWZWzxpBGc

Sep 7, 2022 · 405 followers View post →
Kenneth Chappell
@KennethCha10434 · X

Our online identities do not always reflect who we are in real life. We have so many things to consider when making an online profile. Many will choose names or aliases that aren’t at all representative of who they are. https://t.co/XB7XIqqyRj https://t.co/PtPbD4h9eS

Feb 9, 2025 View post →

All mentions

Kenneth Chappell
@KennethCha10434 · X

Our online identities do not always reflect who we are in real life. We have so many things to consider when making an online profile. Many will choose names or aliases that aren’t at all representative of who they are. https://t.co/XB7XIqqyRj https://t.co/PtPbD4h9eS

Feb 9, 2025 View post →
Fodvizer.com
@fodviser · X

The reason why you can not predict your best profile photos. https://t.co/jgl9cSrOie

Feb 6, 2023 View post →
Mishari Muqbil @mishari@floss.social
@mishari · X

Choosing face: The curse of self in profile image selection | Cognitive Research: Principles and Implications | Full Text - https://t.co/MWZWzxpBGc

Sep 7, 2022 · 405 followers View post →
Jim Bloom
@jimmyroybloom · X

https://t.co/j7rGDL8JzH

Jul 11, 2022 · 2,470 followers View post →
Ethan Decker
@ehdecker · X

@yesnoum @SamuelBrealey Yes! The power of the editor/manager/friend. Apparently it helps even when picking profile photos for linkedin and dating apps and whatnot. https://t.co/TD2tFqF6yX

Aug 26, 2020 · 1 like · 2,963 followers View post →
Innovation Psychotechnology GROUP
Facebook

... L. Burton in Cognitive Research. Published online April 2017 http://cognitiveresearchjournal.springeropen. com/articles/10.1186/s41235-017-0058-3.

Dec 11, 2025 View →
When it comes to your profile picture, let a stranger do the choosing
News

Choosing face: The curse of self in profile image selection. White et al. Cognitive Research: Principles and Implications 2017. DOI: 10.1186/s41235-017-0058-3.

Dec 11, 2025 View →
Choosing Face Infographic [IMAGE] | EurekAlert! Science News ...
News

When it comes to your profile picture, let a stranger do the choosing. BMC (BioMed Central). DOI: 10.1186/s41235-017-0058-3. Keywords. /Social sciences/ ...

Dec 11, 2025 View →
ЕСЛИ ХОТИТЕ ВЫБРАТЬ ЛУЧШУЮ ФОТОГРАФИЮ НА ...
Facebook

... 10.1186/s41235-017-0058-3 ... Published online April 2017 http://cognitiveresearchjournal.springeropen. com/articles/10.1186/s41235-017-0058-3.

Jul 1, 2017 View →
You Should Probably Let a Stranger Pick Your Next Profile Picture ...
Blogs

You'd think with Facebook and Myspace being 13 years old, and LinkedIn pushing 14, we'd have mastered the art of picking the correct profile ...

Apr 21, 2017 View →
Innovation Psychotechnology GROUP - Телеграм бот Questy с ...
Facebook

... springeropen. com/articles/10.1186/s41235-017-0058-3 · cognitiveresearchjournal.springeropen.com. cognitiveresearchjournal.springeropen.com.

Apr 21, 2017 View →
What's the Best Way to Choose Your Profile Pic? Ask Someone Else ...
Blogs

Published online April 14 2017 doi:10.1186/s41235-017-0058-3. Feel free to share this Neuroscience News. Join our Newsletter. Thank you for ...

Apr 15, 2017 View →
Innovation Psychotechnology GROUP - Facebook
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... springeropen. com/articles/10.1186/s41235-017-0058-3 · cognitiveresearchjournal.springeropen.com. cognitiveresearchjournal.springeropen.com.

Apr 15, 2017 View →
When it comes to your profile picture, let a stranger do the choosing ...
News

Cognitive Research: Principles and Implications, 2017; 2 (1) DOI: 10.1186/s41235-017-0058-3. Cite This Page: MLA; APA; Chicago. BioMed Central ...

Apr 14, 2017 View →
When Choosing Profile Pictures, Ask A Total Stranger | IFLScience
News

More recently, they have shown that “ratings of attractiveness and character traits can vary more across different images of the same person's ...

Apr 14, 2017 View →
Innovation Psychotechnology GROUP - Создаем телеграм ботов ...
Facebook

... springeropen. com/articles/10.1186/s41235-017-0058-3 · cognitiveresearchjournal.springeropen.com. cognitiveresearchjournal.springeropen.com.

Mar 24, 2017 View →