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Do you purposely post unflattering photos of your friends on Facebook?

by Lauren O'Neil Posted: July 3, 2012 4:12 PM Last Updated: July 3, 2012 4:14 PM

Categories: Community

1 in 4 women deliberately post 'ugly' photos of friends online, despite knowing that it will upset them according to a survey of female Facebook users in the U.K. (iStock)

If you're going to the beach with a frenemy, beware her digital camera.

According to the results of a recent U.K. survey, 25 per cent of women will deliberately post unflattering photos of their bikini-clad friends online, just to be spiteful.

Photo memento website Mymemory.com surveyed 1,512 female Facebook members over the age of 18 and found that nearly half of the women admitted to uploading a photograph of a friend in an unflattering outfit.

Two fifths of the respondents also admitted to posting photos of friends without make-up on.

Of the women who had posted an unflattering photo of a friend, 32 per cent said that their motivation was revenge and 51 per cent said they didn't like the friend in the first place.

And when asked if they would remove an offending photo at a friend's urging, one fifth of the women replied that no, they would not.

"To see that so many women deliberately commit 'photo sabotage' and upload unflattering pictures of friends is somewhat surprising, particularly when you consider how many said they'd be mad if the same was done to them," MyMemory.com co-founder Rebecca Huggler told the Telegraph.

"Photo sabotage is never kind, but I think we've all seen pictures on social networking sites that we know the 'victim' won't be happy with. It's always a good idea to check with your friends before uploading; they'll thank you, and it could prevent some serious fallout."

The Telegraph's Emma Barnett notes that this survey adds to a growing body of evidence that suggests more people are using Facebook to humiliate and embarrass their own friends.

Have you ever been the subject of an unflattering photo you couldn't get removed? Conversely, have you posted embarrassing photos of a friend online with the intention of hurting his or her feelings? Share your stories below.


Tags: POV