The answer is complex, but mirrors often make you think you look more attractive than you do in photographs. This discrepancy arises from several factors:
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Reversed Image: Mirrors present a reversed image of your face. We are accustomed to seeing this reversed version, making it our preferred self-image. Photographs, however, show the non-reversed version, which can feel unfamiliar and, therefore, less appealing to us.
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Familiarity: The "mere-exposure effect" suggests that we tend to develop a preference for things (including our own mirrored image) simply because we are familiar with them. Seeing our reflection frequently can lead to a bias towards liking it more.
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Dynamic vs. Static: Mirrors show a dynamic, moving image, often capturing fleeting moments of smiles or favorable expressions. Photos capture a single, static moment, which might not always be the most flattering. You are actively posing and adjusting in front of the mirror, unconsciously trying to make yourself look better.
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Symmetry Preference: While perfect facial symmetry is rare, our brains are wired to find symmetrical faces more attractive. If you have slight asymmetries, the reversed image in the mirror might subconsciously appear more appealing because it is what you are used to. Conversely, a photograph reveals the actual asymmetry more clearly.
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Mirror's Impact on Behavior: When you look in the mirror, you're likely to subtly adjust your posture, expression, and even clothing to present yourself in the best possible light. This active self-presentation contributes to a more positive self-perception.
In conclusion, while a mirror doesn't inherently make you more attractive in an objective sense, the psychological effects of seeing a familiar, dynamic, and potentially adjusted reflection can lead you to perceive yourself as more attractive than you might appear in a static, unreversed photograph.
