Most of us are guilty of posting a “thirst trap” – a photo where you know you look beautiful, handsome, sexy. You hit post and wait for the likes to flood your feed. But only a handful arrive, and it’s been an hour.

How annoying. How humiliating. How ugly.

But just because those thoughts run through your head doesn’t mean they’re true. And mental health experts hope you take any social media fawning (or lack thereof) as just that.

“You might be thinking about how this is proof you’re unattractive or that this is evidence of your perceived flaws,” says Amy Morin, psychotherapist, author of “13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do” and the host of a podcast. “But there are lots of factors that might affect how much attention you get – from algorithms and timing to your audience’s preferences all play a role. But the amount of attention you received doesn’t equate to your worth as a person.”

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‘Negative consequences for one’s self-esteem’

Some of you scanned these first few paragraphs and scratched your heads: Why post these pictures in the first place? Why risk embarrassment?

It’s always a gamble whether that one selfie will raise or crater your social media game. But that gamble often feels worth it for the validation.

“Does this shirtless photo make me look attractive enough to others? Is the lighting perfectly highlighting the shape of my body to the point where most consider it sexy? Is someone posting the image because they truly believe they look fantastic and want to share their progress with others, like someone who has undergone a physical transformation from weight loss? This is where the vulnerability lies,” explains Maryanne Fisher, a psychology professor at St. Mary’s University in Canada.

But when the gamble doesn’t pay off, “it can have really negative consequences for one’s self-esteem,” Fisher adds.

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‘Be kind to yourself’

Social media users should dig deep if their lack of attention on posts keeps them up at night. Not everyone shares the same motives for sharing.

“If someone is genuinely trying to make a career as a model, view this as the test, accept the feedback and use it productively,” Fisher says. “It is a great opportunity! If, instead, it’s just that one wants their friends to see them as desirable, why is that important?”

Don’t discount your feelings, but also stop yourself from letting them get the best of you. “One photo that doesn’t get a ton of attention doesn’t mean you’re unattractive and no one loves you,” Morin adds. “But your brain might try to convince you of that.” You might benefit from a social media break and some introspection (or professional guidance) about what will make you happiest on- and offline.

“Journaling, affirmations, body-neutral or body-positive rituals and connecting with people who affirm you in real life can remind you that your value is not tied to a double tap,” adds Luis Cornejo, licensed marriage and family therapist.

You may not have a problem, per se, if you’re upset with your lack of likes. Inadequate feelings occasionally bob to the surface of our subconsciousness. It’s best to “just be kind to yourself,” Fisher says. “You likely have many supporters who think you’re amazing, and those are the people you should focus on.”