Thanks to modern technology and an ever expanding social media platform, the infamous“selfie” has become a common part of everyday life. Girls and guys alike, favorably take their most appealing stance, catch the lighting just right and flash those perfect pearly whites.

Studies have shown that taking and posting photos of yourself can actually help to build self-esteem, which for the most part appears to be true. When people feel confident with their image, they undoubtedly feel good about themselves.

On the other hand, however, selfies can be quite counterproductive and actually attract an opposite result. Case and point~ the ever popular “duck face”. Social media has been inundated in recent years with images of this peculiar phenomenon. Yes, there are some instances in which this pouty expression can enhance facial structure by accentuating cheek bones.

However, there are vast amounts of photos that are far from complimentary. We’ve all seen them, the ones that stop you in your tracks and have you asking yourself….why? More times than not, we see someone that we feel is beautiful just the way they are, and that their expression in photo after photo has taken away from that. Yet, they are perfectly posed and puckered and typically gesturing the classic peace sign. There’s no shame in being proud of yourself and feeling confident enough to share it with the world, but really, does a duck face expression reflect the true you?

No matter what side of the fence you sit with this topic, the important thing to remember is to be happy with yourself…..and your selfie.