Ever spent the better part of an hour trying to snap the perfect selfie, only to be left feeling like crap?
Well it's not your fault! Or your face...
A recent study published by JAMA Facial Plastic Surgery found that selfies can actually distort the look of your face by 30%.
According to the research, it's not possible to take a flattering selfie unless 5 feet or 1.5 metres away.
Anything closer (as is the case with most selfies that are taken only 30cms away)results in a distorted image.
With the nasal size appearing up to 30% larger than it actually is in men, with a 29% perceived increase size in women.
Distortion of self image.
Scientists say this proven distortion of physical features can also have a detrimental effect on self-image – not only psychologically (i.e. Snapchat Dysmorphia) but also physically.
They also suggest selfie distortion has arguably lead to people seeking out cosmetic enhancements based on a distorted perception of their appearance, as opposed to reality.
“This selfie phenomenon and the associated physical and psychological side effects makes it even more imperative for patients to seek appropriate professional advice by trained and experienced doctors,” says Dr Michael Molton, President of the Cosmetic Physicians College of Australasia (CPCA).
What’s more, a study by American psychologists found that the more people use social media sites, the more entrenched they become about their perceived shortcomings.
While another study, measured the effect selfies have on self-esteem and social sensitivity, with results suggesting that taking and sharing selfies could result in greater social sensitivity and lower self-esteem.
The bottom line? Maybe it's time we stopped placing so much importance on selfies...
