Often times, I've noticed that GaGers who make inquiries about their attractiveness do not smile in their pictures. Additionally, I've read comments on these posts that suggest the OP should smile because he or she would appear more approachable. As a curious observer, and also a guy who struggles with body dysmorphia, I decided to conduct a 24 hrs poll in the category How do I Look? by asking "Does smiling make a guy/girl look more attractive?"
Here are the results:
According to a sample size of 43 men and women, 65% of people perceive that a smile can make a person appear more attractive. Although 23% feel indifferent, only 12% do not consider a smile as a feature which enhances one's physical appearance.
Overall, these results suggest that smiling is more likely to be beneficial in gaining positive public perception. However, as some comments mentioned, constantly smiling is unnecessary and can be detrimental to one's image. As with many things in life, there's a time and place where one may consider the option of smiling. Some examples where a smile would be applicable and effective are during first impressions and other situations where the intention is to build a positive rapport.
Based off of this interpretation, I've recently decided to smile in my profile pictures because I realized that I usually smile when I've interacted with other people in real life. Upon further reflection, I remembered that smiling almost always gave me positive feedback during initial (and future) interactions with other people. Anyway, I digress.
To conclude, a smile can likely make you appear objectively more attractive. However, keep in mind that 35% of the participants do not view a smile as an enhancing feature. Therefore, don't feel pressured to smile if it makes you feel uncomfortable. After all, there is a significant portion of the participants who do not view a smile to be beneficial.
Have a pleasant day!
P.S. This is my first myTake. Thank you to all of the GaGers who participated and shared their opinions in the poll. Please feel free to provide constructive criticisms in addition to objective and logical discussions. Please avoid trolling or emotionally based arguments.
P.P.S. I'm aware of a study which concludes that men who brood or don't smile appear more attractive, while women who smile appear more attractive. However, despite the small sample size, the majority of opinions on this poll suggest a contrasting perspective.
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