You Might Want To Rethink That Selfie On Instagram

Between photos of our pets and our breakfast, there are often pictures we took of ourselves on our Instagram profiles. Selfies are arguably one of the most popular posts on Instagram. But are these selfies actually ruining our Instagram grid?

Washington State University and the University of Southern Mississippi conducted a study where 100 undergraduates evaluated Instagram profiles of 30 volunteers. Each volunteer granted them access to their 30 most recent posts.

The posts were divided into three different categories: "posies", "selfies', and "something else". Ratings were evaluated on levels of self-absorptions, extraversion, success, and self-esteem.

Results showed that people who posted more "posies", pictures of themselves but that someone else took, scored more positive than those who posted selfies.

"Even when two feeds had similar content, such as depictions of achievement or travel, feelings about the person who posted selfies were negative and feelings about the person who posted posies were positive," said Chris Barry, WSU professor.

They believe that "posies" may come across as less staged and therefore more appealing to others. So next time you need a new picture for Instagram you better have a friend take it for you - or maybe set up the self-timer to at least make it look like they did.