PFP: What It Is and How To Use It

2021 is the year of a lot of things.

It is the year of the continued global pandemic. It is the year of self-discovery and exploring locally. It is the year of the digital boom.

Technology has been around for a long time and has steadily been improving over the years. But it was not until we were all forced to work from home that it seemed technology on a whole simply skyrocketed.

Our use of social media, Zoom, email and the computer or tablet, in general, has become a necessity to communicate with others-whether that be on a professional or personal level.

With this rise in technology comes an evolution of our language too. We don't communicate online how we would in face-to-face interactions. When communicating over text, social media or email, we tend to be shorter, sharper and to the point.

There are many psychological reasons behind this. One is to enable the conversation to still flow without prolonged pauses. The other is to create a small talk that makes it feel like a real conversation in person is being had and find ways to use language as a connection.

Many great linguists have studied the phenomenon of the abbreviation LOL, which means laugh out loud. We don't always use it because we are literally laughing to ourselves. But instead, we use it as a buffer to signal that our statement is not as serious as we want it to read and that we want the vibe to remain friendly and relaxed.

But LOL is not the only abbreviation that helps us form connections online in a digital world. PFP has become a recent phenomenon that many social media users, in particular, are using in everyday conversations.

Whether or not you use social media, it is still an important abbreviation to be familiar with and understand when and how to use it in conversation.

Here is everything you need to know about PFP.

What does it mean?

PFP means profile picture.  Yes, it really is as simple as that. Let us explain. Any time you go to create a social media account, you will be asked to create a profile picture. This, in essence, becomes your online identity and showcases who you are and what you are all about.

Whether you use TikTok, Instagram, Pinterest, YouTube, Facebook or Snapchat, you will be wanting to have a PFP for yourself so that you can have your own unique identity on the channel. It also helps other users find you easier so that you can gain more followers, too.

The importance of a PFP

Having a PFP is important on more than just the basic level of setting up a social media account. A PFP is also your way into a community or group online. It is, in a way, your connection to other people. Let us explain.

For those on TikTok, your PFP allows you to take part in various trends in the social media app's community. For example, a while back users took to their PFP to show their support for recording artist Lana Del Ray. She herself had a headshot with a flame in the background. So other users copied that PFP set up and edited their headshot in front of that very same flame. Soon, TikTok was blowing up with thousands of users who had the same flame in their PFP and a community of fans and supporters was instantly formed.

So on a social level, your PFP lets you join these sorts of social media trends and even meet new people who may just become your friend!

How to use PFP in Conversation

Depending on who you are talking to, you will likely use PFP differently. We've pulled together some common scenarios you will likely see.

Scenario #1:

You are messaging a guy you met on a dating platform. PFP is a friendly and relaxed way to start a conversation and end up asking more about that person-an essential part of testing the waters when dating.

Guy: "You look beautiful in your PFP"

You: "I love your PFP too. Is that your dog?"

Scenario #2:

You are in a group chat with your friends. PFP is a way to discuss your insecurities.

Friend A: "Do you like my PFP on Instagram?"

Friend B: "I love it you look stunning.

Friend C: "You are fire!"

You: "Your PFP has inspired me to change mine now"

Final Thoughts

In summary, PFP is a common abbreviation for the profile picture and can be used on a range of mediums for communicating. It is both literally and figuratively something that allows us to feel connected to one another in the digital age.