Is your online profile pic driving out potential friends?

London, Nov 7: Do you pride on your enviable personal photos on social networking sites like Facebook, then think again. Latest research suggest that your semi-clad photos on Facebook could prevent many from becoming your online friends. A new research has pointed out that online profiles that features the users in over the top poses, bikini shots or pictures of cars trigger a negative opinion on strangers, the

reported.

The study which was carried out by Online reputation management firm Reputation 24/7 said, "Managing your online reputation is just as vital for people as it is for brands. It's difficult not to judge someone whether you meet them face-to-face or see their online presence. Seeing a profile on a social networking site will only tell you so much about a person so it's easy to jump to conclusions, especially if an individual has outlandish pictures or expresses particular strong views online."

According to the research, the images that have chances to have a negative affect are those that show the subject holding an alcoholic drink or shows them drunk or even involved in passionate embrace with their other half.

On what comprises as a positive image, the study found that a shot taken of oneself, like that of wedding picture elicits pleasant feelings. A photo with a smile also has a positive impact.

With the firm aware of the accessibility of the information available online, they consider it important for a person to show one's image that will enhance his/her personality and not hinder it in any such way.

The study explored ways by which opinions are formed both online and offline. Six of the 10 who took part in the poll admitted to being guilty for being judgemental on the basis of a person's online profile, with close to 40 per cent saying that they formed opinions quicker online than in personal.

OneIndia News