You’re insecure, scared and lonely. And that’s just what I learned from your selfie.

“My life is my message.” – Mahatma Gandhi

With just one picture you tell the world a lot about yourself.

With our words, actions and yes, even our selfies, we send a very clear message  to others about who we are and how we want to be perceived whether we realize it or not. That message may be good or bad and the judgment may be wrong or right but both are definitely happening.

But with just one picture we can tell the world:

We’re serious. We’re fun. We like to travel. We’re artistic. We’re athletic. We’re dramatic. We love our friends. We’re outgoing. We’re independent. We’re confident. We’re scared. We’re lonely. And maybe, just maybe, we’re telling people we’re insecure by posting pictures just to get a response. But there I go judging.

In fact, people will even look at your selfie and decide if you make good decisions or bad ones and will judge your moral character. Let’s not forget the teen who snapped at selfie at Auschwitz. 

Lots of info from just one little picture eh? Did you realize people were reading so much into you?

So what messages are you sending to the world? 

Think beyond just your selfie. How do your carry yourself and present yourself to others every day? Do you smile? Frown? Laugh? Hold your head high?

I know this all sounds very judgmental and perhaps it’s not always fair, but you are always sending out a clear message for people to receive and you deserve to be aware of this. I’m not trying to make you paranoid or worried nor am I saying that selfies are bad. I’m also not saying that people are right for judging you.  I’m just reminding you that by your actions, words, presentation and yes, even your selfies, you tell the world a story about yourself.

What story are you telling?

………

Now it’s your turn to tell me what you think.

Is a picture just a picture?

Have you ever realized that people may be reading a lot into your photos and how you present yourself?

Comment here or tweet @handbook4teens.