Mirror vs. Selfie — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Urooj Arif — Updated on May 21, 2024
Mirror reflects your image as it appears in reality, whereas a selfie is a self-taken photograph, often with a smartphone camera, that captures your image as it appears on the screen.
Difference Between Mirror and Selfie
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
A mirror is a reflective surface that provides an exact, real-time image of what is in front of it. When you look into a mirror, you see a reflection that is an accurate depiction of your appearance in that moment. A selfie, on the other hand, is a photograph taken by oneself, typically using the front camera of a smartphone. The image captured in a selfie can be edited or filtered before sharing on social media.
While mirrors provide an immediate, real-time reflection, selfies allow for a controlled and often enhanced representation of oneself. In a mirror, the image changes dynamically as you move, providing continuous feedback. Conversely, a selfie captures a single moment in time, which can then be shared, edited, or deleted as desired.
Mirrors are commonly used for daily personal grooming, such as checking your appearance or applying makeup. In contrast, selfies are predominantly used for social interaction, sharing moments, and self-expression on social media platforms. The purpose and context of use differ significantly between the two.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Reflective surface showing real-time image
Self-taken photograph with a camera
Real-time Feedback
Provides continuous reflection
Captures a single moment
ADVERTISEMENT
Image Orientation
Horizontally reversed
Typically not reversed
Usage
Personal grooming, checking appearance
Social sharing, self-expression
Alteration
No alteration, real-time image
Can be edited and filtered
Compare with Definitions
Mirror
A reflective surface used for viewing one's reflection.
She checked her makeup in the mirror.
Selfie
An image captured using the front camera of a smartphone.
She used a filter to enhance her selfie.
Mirror
An object providing a true-to-life image.
The mirror showed his tired eyes.
Selfie
A self-taken photograph, usually with a smartphone.
He posted a selfie from his vacation.
Mirror
A tool for personal grooming and appearance checks.
The bathroom mirror fogged up after the shower.
Selfie
A digital image captured by oneself.
She took a selfie to show her new haircut.
Mirror
A mirror is an object that reflects an image. Light that bounces off a mirror will show an image of whatever is in front of it, when focused through the lens of the eye or a camera.
Selfie
A photograph often shared on social media.
The friends took a group selfie at the party.
Mirror
A surface, typically of glass coated with a metal amalgam, which reflects a clear image
He checked his appearance in the mirror
Selfie
A photo taken to capture a moment or expression.
He snapped a selfie during the concert.
Mirror
(of a surface) show a reflection of
The clear water mirrored the sky
Selfie
A selfie () is a self-portrait photograph, typically taken with a digital camera or smartphone, which may be held in the hand or supported by a selfie stick. Selfies are often shared on social media, via social networking services such as Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, and Instagram.
Mirror
A surface capable of reflecting sufficient undiffused light to form an image of an object placed in front of it. Also called looking glass.
Selfie
A photograph, especially a snapshot, that one takes of oneself
He texted a selfie to his friends.
Mirror
Something that faithfully reflects or gives a true picture of something else.
Selfie
A photographic self-portrait, especially one taken manually (not using a timer, tripod etc.) with a small camera or mobile phone.
Take a selfie
Mirror
Something worthy of imitation.
Selfie
To take a selfie
Mirror
To reflect in or as if in a mirror
"The city mirrors many of the greatest moments of Western culture" (Olivier Bernier).
Mirror
A smooth surface, usually made of glass with reflective material painted on the underside, that reflects light so as to give an image of what is in front of it.
Mirror
(figuratively) An object, person, or event that reflects or gives a picture of another.
Mirror
A disk, website or other resource that contains replicated data.
Mirror
A mirror carp.
Mirror
(historical) A kind of political self-help book, advising kings, princes, etc. on how to behave.
Mirror
(transitive) Of an event, activity, behaviour, etc, to be identical to; to be a copy of.
Mirror
To create something identical to (a web site, etc.).
Mirror
(transitive) To reflect, as in a mirror.
Mirror
A looking-glass or a speculum; any glass or polished substance that forms images by the reflection of rays of light.
And in her hand she held a mirror bright,Wherein her face she often viewèd fair.
Mirror
That which gives a true representation, or in which a true image may be seen; hence, a pattern; an exemplar.
She is mirour of all courtesy.
O goddess, heavenly bright,Mirror of grace and majesty divine.
Mirror
See Speculum.
Mirror
To reflect, as in a mirror.
Mirror
To copy or duplicate; to mimic or imitate; as, the files at Project Gutenberg were mirrored on several other ftp sites around the world.
Mirror
To have a close resemblance to; as, his opinions often mirrored those of his wife.
Mirror
Polished surface that forms images by reflecting light
Mirror
A faithful depiction or reflection;
The best mirror is an old friend
Mirror
Reflect as if in a mirror;
The smallest pond at night mirrors the firmament above
Mirror
Reflect or resemble;
The plane crash in Milan mirrored the attack in the World Trade Center
Mirror
A surface reflecting light to show an image.
He adjusted the rearview mirror in the car.
Mirror
An object reflecting an accurate depiction of reality.
She gazed at her reflection in the mirror.
Common Curiosities
What is the main purpose of a mirror?
A mirror is used to view real-time reflections for personal grooming and checking one's appearance.
How does a selfie differ from a mirror image?
A selfie is a photograph capturing a single moment, often editable, whereas a mirror provides a continuous, real-time reflection.
What devices are typically used to take selfies?
Selfies are commonly taken with smartphones, using the front camera.
Why do selfies sometimes look different from mirror reflections?
Selfies can be edited and taken from different angles, affecting how the image appears, unlike the true-to-life reflection of a mirror.
Why do people take selfies?
Selfies are taken for self-expression, sharing moments, and social interaction.
Can mirrors be used for photography?
Mirrors themselves are not used for photography, but they can assist in positioning and checking appearances before taking photos.
How often are mirrors used compared to selfies?
Mirrors are used daily for personal grooming, while selfies are taken as needed or desired.
Can selfies be taken without a smartphone?
While smartphones are most common, selfies can also be taken with any camera with a viewfinder.
Can a mirror image be altered?
No, a mirror image is a real-time reflection and cannot be altered.
How are selfies typically shared?
Selfies are often shared on social media platforms and messaging apps.
What is a common use of selfies in social media?
Selfies are used to share personal moments and updates with friends and followers.
What role do mirrors play in daily life?
Mirrors are essential for grooming, dressing, and ensuring one's appearance is as desired.
Are selfies reversed like mirror images?
Not necessarily; some cameras or apps automatically adjust the orientation to avoid the reversed effect.
Do mirrors provide an accurate representation of reality?
Yes, mirrors provide a real-time, accurate reflection.
What is the cultural impact of selfies?
Selfies have become a significant part of digital culture, influencing social media trends and personal expression.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Car vs. Bogie
Next Comparison
Physicalism vs. IdealismAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
