Three in five Americans hate how their smile looks in photos, new research suggests.<br />A recent survey of 2,000 U.S. respondents found that most have based a first impression of someone else on their smile (76%) and eyes (69%), more so than on their clothes (56%) or social media presence (27%).<br /><br />However, people’s online presence can affect how they’re perceived. Results show that how people look in their photos and videos (52%), their spelling and grammar (49%) and the types of content they post and share (48%) have all influenced a first impression.<br /><br />With so many initial impressions occurring digitally, it’s no wonder that 57% have removed old photos of themselves online. <br /><br />Yet according to those polled, the average Twitter or Instagram profile photo is six years old.<br /><br />Conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Spark Aligners, the survey also found that more than two-thirds have a favorite photo of themselves. <br /><br />Most (71%) prefer this photo because they feel they look their best in it, rather than due to the lighting and composition of the image (54%).<br /><br />But 76% of Americans said they don’t always smile in photos.<br /><br />Rather than grin from ear to ear, some will present a poker face (46%), cover their mouth (43%) or make a surprised expression (43%).<br /><br />Men were more likely to prefer framing their profile photos from the waist up (42%), while most women were comfortable with a close-up of just their face (38%).<br /><br />When asked what social media platforms people feel most pressured to present their smile on, Facebook topped the list (53%), with more than twice feeling obligated to do so than on LinkedIn (24%). <br /><br />“Part of the pressure we feel to smile in photos comes from the way others who smile make us feel,” said a spokesperson for Spark Aligners. “Our data shows that more than two-thirds of people think those who smile are more trustworthy, confident and approachable.”<br /><br />Facial expressions can play a big role in the dating realm, too. When using a dating app, the first thing most said they would notice about a profile photo is a person’s smile (32%) — more than twice as those whose initial attention would be drawn to their body type and posture (15%).<br /><br />As for the least noticeable features? The backdrop or location where the image was taken, the presence of a vehicle and the person’s clothing went largely unnoticed by potential dates.<br /><br />Looking ahead to 2022, three-fifths of survey respondents plan to update their online presence with all-new profile photos.<br /><br />“People are aware of the external and internal benefits of smiling; seven in 10 said smiling makes them feel less stressed about their day,” the spokesperson added. “While many of us take the time to pick out an outfit and have a hair care routine, maybe what we all need for an extra confidence boost is just to share our smiles with the world more often.” <br /><br />WHAT DO PEOPLE NOTICE FIRST ABOUT OTHERS?<br />Their smile - 76%<br />Their eyes - 69%<br />Their voice - 60%<br />Their clothes - 56%<br />Their haircut - 51%<br />Their posture - 50%<br />Their handshake - 40%<br />Their social media presence - 27%<br /><br />WHAT DO PEOPLE DO IN PHOTOS INSTEAD OF SMILING?<br />Poker face - 46%<br />Cover their mouth - 43%<br />Surprised face - 43%<br />Frown - 41%<br />Kissing or pucker face - 38%<br />Wear a mask - 31%<br />Turn their back to the camera - 22%<br /><br />ENDS
