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

Hundreds Woolworths, Coles and ALDI customers have let rip over ‘disgustingly unflattering’ cameras used at self-service checkouts.

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

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

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Coles, Woolworths and ALDI are said to use “super wide” camera lenses that “make you look bad”.

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

In the Reddit post that sparked the conversation, the shopper said he was “horrified” by the self-checkout cameras at Coles and Woolworths.

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

“Whenever I see myself in the self-service cameras at Coles and Woolies, I’m always horrified by the person looking at me.

“I don’t even think I’m an ugly person, but I have this uncanny uncanny valley feeling because I don’t recognize the person on the screen.

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

Many were quick to agree that self-service cameras are “a really humbling experience for anyone.”

“I can handle being watched, but I feel it’s cruel to be watched,” said one.

Another replied: “Honestly I hate seeing myself on these cams, I always look haggard and old.”

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

Another said: “This is why I don’t use self-service now. Take pictures of me all you want, but don’t show me this horror. I’m sure it’s on purpose. Source: I kinda feel like the pr*t these pr**ts would do.”

She added: “I’m not going to lie, I stand closer to the cash register so it only touches my neck because they make me feel self-conscious. I know it’s small.”

Others said the style of cameras traditionally used in self-service cameras was “nobody’s friend”.

“They’re a super wide angle lens – they’ll make Miranda Kerr look like a fool,” said one.

Another added: “Wide lens, plus you’re used to seeing yourself in a mirror.”

A third replied: “A wide-angle lens will do that.”

Another said: “It’s the light and the angle. And the quality of the lens and the absolutely terrible 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 say “If you steal, we’ll use this picture of you,” said one.

Another agreed, adding: “It’s a psychological technique: to look as guilty as possible when the video is presented as evidence.”

A third said: “I feel like if the prices don’t get you down, then your face staring back at you will. They just cover all the bases at this point.

Another wrote: “Rejects me from theft, I don’t want this ugly mug posted on crime logs for all to see.”