First impressions are crucial in establishing any sort of relationship. In today’s digital era, profile pictures often times seem to be the first indication of a person’s personality. Many millennials and gen x’ers alike seem to spend a ton of time perfecting the art of creating a profile picture.
Whether it be a potential mate, or an employer, they can be used as a tool to impress or deter someone.
In this article, we will be examining some do’s and don’ts of profile pictures. In addition to factors that may classify someone as apart of a particular social group. Keep in mind, these are only projections.
1. Fedoras & Trench Coats
This is a surprisingly common one. Although they may have been tolerated in the 1950’s, today they are quite off putting.
Why? : To attempt to prove that they are in fact classy individuals. In reality, the fedora may be used to hide baldness or excess dandruff.
Common Traits:
One with a fedora in their picture may find themselves arguing over which female anime character is the most attractive on an online forum. Or perhaps, playing a nine hour game of dungeon’s and dragons on a Saturday night. They may identify as a “Brony” or an adult who enjoys the My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic television series. To drink, they may prefer an ice cold glass of mountain dew instead of a glass of wine or beer. Complaining about how the athletically superior jocks always steal their potential mates, even though they are in fact the “nice guys” is also a common.
2. Muscles
Showcasing one’s muscles in a profile can be an indication of one’s hard work and dedication. Although this may be true in some regards, it can reveal a great deal of personality traits.
Why? : To attract potential mates
Common Traits:
They may show off the fact that they have excess growths bulging out of various areas of the body. For myself and much of the general population, it comes off as “douchey” for lack of a better word. “Muscle Bros” are at the gym almost every day, and shame one another if one were to miss out on leg day. This classification is responsible for the “do you even lift, bro?” Due to the fact this is blurted out repeatedly in arguments in hopes to assume dominance over their inferiors. They tend to travel in packs, making sure no bro is left behind when walking fromplace to place in large groups. Some perceive them to be homosexuals, which they are extremely sensitive about. Muscle Bros can be found in almost any college, especially fraternities. Saying the word “bro” in almost any social setting or situation is quite common. Similar to they way “dude” is used by many.
3. Alcoholic Beverages and or Drug Paraphernalia
Teens particularly, may think it’s a good idea to present themselves consuming in illegal activity in their profile pictures.
Why? :Those who include these items in their profile pictures love seeming as though they are hard core, young, wild, and free.
Common Traits:
They may attend various college parties, even though they do not attend that particular college or are still enrolled in high school. The marijuana enthusiasts insist that their drug of choice has no repercussions and cures any and every medical condition. In my experience, these particular individuals are not the best group partners for projects. They may have little experience with alcohol, so they are often times the most annoying ones at parties. Often time the infamous “duck face” may be included in their profile pictures .
4. Couples
Showcasing your beloved in a profile picture isn’t always a bad thing, but others may find themselves dreading your happiness.
Why? : To make sure everyone knows that they are in a relationship. To deter others from being from interested in pursuing them.
Common Traits:
Bragging about how great their relationship is to others, who are almost always uninterested. Looking down on those who are single, often saying that “I’m sure you’ll find someone” and other annoying phrases of that matter. If they are of ages 14 – 21 they may go on and on about what to name their children someday. And claim they couldn’t even imagine life without their partner.
