Social media. We all use it, but it’s clear that too much of it can lead to depression and other mental health problems. And while researchers are still exploring different social media platforms and their effect on our health, there’s one type of post that get s really bad rap: selfies. But selfies don’t seem to be completely good or completely bad. instead, it really depends on your reasons for posting a selfie. So, before you post another one, ask yourself these three introspective questions.

Am I posting this selfie so others make me feel better about my appearance?

We all feel insecure from time to time. And to make up for that, we look for outside approval. But trying to collect all the likes, thumbs ups, hearts and praise by posting a selfie can actually backfire. This study shows social media can have a negative impact on a woman’s body image.

Is this selfie the real and authentic me?

We all know that social media is a curation of life’s highlight real. But before you post selfie, ask if it’s a real depiction of your authentic self. If not, it might not have much of a negative effect on you, but it can be damaging for others. 

That’s because it’s a false representation that people will compare themselves to. And it’s hard to compete with something that’s not even real, right?

Am I feeling depressed or anxious?

It’s only natural to want either attention or help – especially when you’re feeling depressed or anxious, but a selfie might not be the right way to go about this. Not only can social media use acerbate psychiatric disorders, as this study found, but social media can also make you feel even worse about yourself and your life situation.