Shock claims that Woolworths and Coles self-serve cameras are ‘hideously’ unflattering ‘on purpose’

Hundreds of Woolworths, Coles and ALDI customers have let rip over the “hideously unflattering” cameras used in self-serve checkouts.

Sharing on Reddit, one shopper sparked the intense debate after questioning whether the cameras make you look worse than you actually are.

The controversial post attracted hundreds of reactions from those agreed with the shopper — and lead to some accusing the major supermarkets of “doing it on purpose”.

It’s been claimed that Coles, Woolworths and ALDI use “super wide” lenses on the cameras, which “make you look bad”.

Others also claimed that the unflattering footage is a “psychological technique” meant to make it look like “a mug shot” and discourage people from stealing.

In the Reddit post that kickstarted the conversation, the shopper said they were “mortified” by the self-serve cameras at Coles and Woolworths.

“Are the self-serve cameras meant to be unflattering or is it just me?” they asked.

“Whenever I see myself in the self-serve cameras at Coles and Woolies I’m always mortified by the person staring back at me.

“I don’t even think I’m an ugly person, but I feel this uncomfortable sense of uncanny valley because I don’t recognize the person on screen.

“Are these cameras unflattering for everyone else or am I just genetically cursed?”

Many were quick to agree that self-serve cameras are a “truly humbling experience for everyone”.

“I can handle them watching me, but I feel it’s cruel to make me watch me too,” said one.

Another responded: “I honestly hate catching a glimpse of myself in those cameras, I always look exhausted and old.”

A third wrote: “I’m never more bald than I am in a Coles camera.”

One more said: “This is why I don’t use the self service now. Film me all you want but don’t show me this horror. I am sure it’s on purpose. Source: kinda feels like the s*** these f***ers would do.”

Added another: “Not gonna lie, I stand closer to the checkout so it only captures my neck because they make me self conscious. It’s petty I know.”

Others said the style of cameras that are traditionally used on self-serve cameras are “no-one’s friend”.

“They’re a super wide angle lens - they’ve gonna make Miranda Kerr look like a gronk,” said one.

Another added: “Wide lens, plus you are used to seeing yourself mirrored.”

A third responded: “Wide angle lens will do that.”

Said another: “It’s the light, and the angle. And the quality of the lens and the extra horrible quality of the screen.”

Some also said they believed there was a tactic behind the move.

“They’re meant to make you look ugly. They’re saying ‘If you steal, we’re gonna use this photo of you,’” one said.

Another agreed, adding: “It’s a psychological technique: make you look as guilty as possible for when the video is tendered as evidence.”

Said a third: “I feel that if the prices don’t get you down, then your face looking back at you will. They are just covering all bases at this point.”

One more wrote: “Puts me off from stealing, don’t want that ugly mug posted on crime stoppers for all to see.”