Question from a reader:
I’m thinking about changing my icon. Recently, I’ve been receiving persistent harassment, and it’s making me wonder if I should change it. Do you all change your icons from time to time?
Changing Your Icon is a Bit of an Adventure
Recently, a friend asked me, “Should I change my icon?” It turns out they’ve been dealing
with persistent harassment, and that’s what’s been on their mind. I remember wanting to change my social media icon in the past, but I ended up keeping it the same.
Reasons for Changing Your Icon
The reasons for changing an icon can be surprisingly varied. There was a time when I wanted to use a photo taken with friends as my icon, but I got nervous thinking, “If my face is out there, someone might recognize me…” and ultimately decided against it. The idea of changing it felt exciting, like I could become a new version of myself, but it was also a bit nerve-wracking. When my friend asked, “What do you think of the new icon?” I honestly replied, “Yeah, it looks good,” while internally feeling the tension about changing my own icon. I’ll never forget when he smiled and said, “Go for it!” That really stuck with me.
The Impact of Harassment
Dealing with harassment is really tough. I’ve experienced online defamation myself, and it was shocking at first. But when I consulted a friend, they advised me, “Changing your icon can change your mood, too.” That encouragement helped me gradually gather the courage to switch to a new icon. From that experience, I believe changing your icon can be a way to refresh your feelings. It’s important to feel comfortable in your own skin.
Everyone’s Icon Situation
I wonder what everyone else does? Changing your icon isn’t just about appearance; it can also impact your feelings. Sometimes changing it or not can reflect your personality, which is interesting. Lately, I find myself intrigued by funny icons. Whether it’s a parody-style icon or a silly face photo, those always make me laugh and brighten my mood. If anyone is contemplating changing their icon, I think choosing something that brings you joy is the best approach. No matter what your icon is, it likely has a wonderful story behind it. Lastly, I’d love to hear about your icons and the reasons behind them in the comments! Share what kind of icon you use and the stories behind them. I’m looking forward to hearing your fun tales!
