There are many studies that try to understand our relationship with networkstaking into account that they are presented as a showcase in which you can show part of yourself.

In this sense, many experts agree the importance of the profile photo. A single image with which we present ourselves to the world on multiple platforms: Instagram, WhatsApp, Facebook, and many other social networks. With a single photograph we can convey many things about ourselves, both consciously and unconsciously. Do you want to know what yours says about you?

What your profile photo says about you

When we think about a profile photo, the options seem limited. At least, it is the first impression that many of us would get when taking a look at any of them. However, psychology studies even the smallest nuances in everything we share on networks to find an explanation for our unconscious behaviors.

The psychologist and popularizer through TikTok, Lorena Pérez, shared on her networks an analysis dedicated to the types of profile photos that people usually use. And you would be surprised by the differences they show between them.

Drawings, caricatures and other profile photos

When we talk about “profile photo”, by default we think of a photograph of oneself. However, there are many users who use drawings, and even caricatures of themselves, to represent themselves on all types of social networks.

In these cases, Lorena Pérez explains to us that we may be dealing with profiles that are looking for hide your personality, or at least not fully showing what they are.

Something similar happens when someone presents themselves on social networks under the image of a famous person or person they admire. There is a certain tendency to hide, to not show, even when it comes to profiles with names and surnames, and not famous ones. haterswho take refuge in anonymity to insult and spread hatred.

A childhood photo

Another common option, although perhaps you haven’t thought about it too much, is to find people whose profile photo corresponds to a childhood image. Sometimes a portrait of youthothers a childhood photograph. And they can appear alone or in the company of other family members.

These photos at particular moments, such as Father’s Day, Children’s Day or an important date for the family, can only be a commemorative gesture.

However, when the image remains on a person’s profile for a long period of time, according to Lorena Pérez, it can be an indication that we are dealing with a person whom It is difficult for you to connect with your current reality. These people prefer to take refuge, in one way or another, in the past, and live settled in nostalgia.

Family and couple photos

It is also possible that you come across people online who have a nice family photo in their profile photo. You may have used them yourself to introduce yourself. A photo in which you appear with your family, your partner, your friends or even your co-workers.

For Lorena Pérez, these types of profile photos reflect pride. In the case of the family photo, we may be faced with a feeling of admiration for the rootsor in accordance with the built life project.

As for couple photos, they reveal satisfaction with the commitment that is being built with the other. And if we appear in the photo with coworkers, could reflect pride by our professional or work team.

Selfies and other photographs

Finally, there is the option that in your profiles you use a selfie or any other photograph in which you appearalone, to present yourself to the world.

In this case, Pérez warns us of a possible search for identitywhich can sometimes be connected to the desire to receive praise, with some possible narcissistic traits. Nothing alarming, of course.

In addition, he warns us, these types of photos can revealr lack of self-confidence, especially when we are faced with a retouched image or with filters.

The marketing and personal brand expert photographer, Kike Tejedor, also adds some nuances about what we seek to convey with this type of photographs based on their composition.

• Looking at camera. When you take a photo looking at the camera, without filters or retouching, you are demonstrating confidence and a desire to show yourself as you are to the world. You are the protagonist of your profile.
• Looking to the side. On the other hand, if you appear looking away in your profile photo, Tejedor says you could be trying to appear thoughtful, introspective, creative, or mysterious, as if you want to act interesting.
• Showing only part of the face. Finally, those photos in which you partially show your face (only the eye, hiding your face with your hair, etc.), are trying to express “rebellion, shyness or an uncommunicative attitude”, although you may also have a strong creative and artistic side.