Explaining Whether You Look Like Your Inverted or Mirror Image

PDF download Download Article
Find out if TikTok’s inverted filter is telling the truth
PDF download Download Article

After seeing all the online buzz, you finally succumb and try on TikTok’s inverted filter. Like everyone else, what stares back at you is surprising: is your inverted face really what everyone sees? It can definitely feel weird to see your face flipped, but don’t be alarmed—you’re just not used to this view! In this article, we’ll tell you if people see your image flipped or how you appear to yourself in the mirror. Then, we’ll answer why you tend to like your mirror image better. If you’re feeling curious about mirrors vs photos, we’ll also tell you which one is more accurate. Read on to learn more!

Things You Should Know

  • People see you inverted, not like how you see yourself in the mirror. The image of yourself that you see in the mirror is actually reversed.
  • You tend to like yourself better in the mirror because you’re more familiar with it and expect to see your features reversed.
  • Mirrors are generally more accurate than photos because they’re less susceptible to distortion and provide a 3-D view of yourself in motion.
  • See your inverted image in a mirror by holding 2 mirrors together. Angle them diagonally so their edges touch and form a right angle.
Section 1 of 4:

Do people see my image inverted?

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/31\/Do-People-See-You-Inverted-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Do-People-See-You-Inverted-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/31\/Do-People-See-You-Inverted-Step-1.jpg\/v4-728px-Do-People-See-You-Inverted-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    When you look in a mirror, what you’re actually seeing is a reversed image of yourself. As you're hanging out with friends or walking down the street, people see your image un-flipped. So that mole that you’re used to seeing on your right cheek is actually on your left to the person facing you. [1]
    • Like the TikTok inverted filter, regular photos and flipped selfies show you how people see you.
    2. Advertisement
Section 2 of 4:

Why You Look Different Inverted

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/ed\/Do-People-See-You-Inverted-Step-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Do-People-See-You-Inverted-Step-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/ed\/Do-People-See-You-Inverted-Step-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Do-People-See-You-Inverted-Step-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If you like how you look better in the mirror than inverted, you’re not alone! Most people prefer their mirror image because that’s who they see every day. Your inverted image can seem uncanny because you don’t see your flipped image in pictures and filters as often. This tracks with the mere exposure effect, which tells us that we tend to like things that we see frequently more than things we see infrequently. [2]
    • To back that up, researchers have found that people usually prefer their mirrored image, while their friends or partner like their un-flipped image more.
    • While it can feel shocking to realize that people see you inverted, know that you don’t look worse or weird. You might not be used to your inverted image, but this is the face your friends and family know and love. You’re still you whether you’re mirrored or inverted!
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/0e\/Do-People-See-You-Inverted-Step-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Do-People-See-You-Inverted-Step-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/0e\/Do-People-See-You-Inverted-Step-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Do-People-See-You-Inverted-Step-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Because you’re less used to your flipped image, the curves and lines of your face don’t match up to what you expect to see. This often highlights the asymmetry of your face, which can make you think that you look weird or distorted. [3]
    • No one has a perfectly symmetrical face, not even models or famous actors, so don’t feel discouraged by your inverted image. Your face proportions are the same whether you’re looking in the mirror or talking to friends. It’s just that you’re more used to your mirror image, so you like it more.
    3. Advertisement
Section 3 of 4:

Do I look more accurate in the mirror or in photos?

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/a0\/Do-People-See-You-Inverted-Step-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Do-People-See-You-Inverted-Step-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/a0\/Do-People-See-You-Inverted-Step-4.jpg\/v4-728px-Do-People-See-You-Inverted-Step-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Even though mirrors reverse your image, they’re less affected by outside, distorting factors. A mirror simply reflects your image back to you, while a camera’s angle, lens size, and quality can all affect how your image comes out. So, if you’ve ever thought you looked great in the mirror, but wondered what happened in the pictures afterward, breathe a sigh of relief! The camera was just warping your image. [4]
    • Lighting and angles can also affect how you look in different mirrors . Unlike photos though, mirrors give you a 3-D view of yourself in motion. Others see you as you move, so this tends to be a more accurate depiction of you. As a plus, people tend to find you more attractive when you’re in motion rather than frozen! [5]
Section 4 of 4:

How to See Your Inverted Image in a Mirror

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/0c\/Do-People-See-You-Inverted-Step-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Do-People-See-You-Inverted-Step-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/0c\/Do-People-See-You-Inverted-Step-5.jpg\/v4-728px-Do-People-See-You-Inverted-Step-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    To see yourself as others see you, grab 2 mirrors. Place them next to each other so their edges are touching. Then, angle each mirror diagonally towards you, like you’re holding a book, so the edges form a right angle. Now, look in the mirrors. [6] When you close your right eye, your reflection does too, except it now looks like your left eye is closed! It’s as if a copy of you is standing in front of you. [7]
    • While 1 mirror reverses your image, adding a 2nd mirror flips the reversed image, showing you your “true” image. [8]
    2. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      You Might Also Like

      What Does <3 Mean on Social Media?
      How to Watch TikTok Content Without Having to Install the App
      What Does DW Mean? Snapchat, Texting, and More
      How to React When Someone Blocks You
      100 Cute, Funny, and Hype Comments for Social Media Posts
      8 Easy Ways to Fix Instagram Invite Collaborator Not Showing
      What Does “GYATT” Mean? Plus, When & How to Use It
      How to
      Find Out Who Owns an Instagram Account
      This Story is Unavailable Instagram: 9 Reasons & Fixes
      What Does "IMK" Mean Over Text and on Social Media?
      What Happens When You Block Someone on IG: Will They Know?
      What Does WYA Mean? Snapchat, Texting, and More
      3 Simple Ways to Tell if Someone Has Snapchat Plus
      What Does WTV Mean?
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-clarity/202209/why-you-dont-think-your-photos-look-you
      2. ↑ https://psycnet.apa.org/record/1979-31008-001
      3. ↑ https://www.acs.psu.edu/drussell/Demos/RayTrace/mirrors.html
      4. ↑ https://www.acs.psu.edu/drussell/Demos/RayTrace/mirrors.html
      5. ↑ https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2012.00022/full
      6. ↑ https://www.wtamu.edu/~cbaird/sq/2013/01/05/why-do-mirrors-flip-left-to-right-and-not-up-to-down/
      7. ↑ https://indianapublicmedia.org/amomentofscience/reflection-experiment.php
      8. ↑ https://youtu.be/x2owiSx0biU?t=384

      About This Article

      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 235,887 times.

      Is this article up to date?

      Advertisement