A Typology of Profile Pictures: How Do Young Adults Acquire Profile Images on Facebook?

• In Event: ICA Plenary Interactive Paper/Poster Session and Reception
  In Paper Session: Visual Communication Studies Interactive Poster Session

Abstract

This research paper investigates the process of online self-presentation and identity formation through profile images. It investigates the processes involved in the production of the profile images. To answer the research questions, 1,028 randomly selected profile images, 90 online survey questionnaires and 7 in-depth interviews were collected from students at Duke University (USA) and Jacobs University (Germany). Content Analysis and Visual Context Analysis were used to analyze the data. The results show that profile owners make intuitive, complex decisions when they select profile images. Profile images connote users’ feelings, emotions, and desires; they are used to tell personal stories, remember significant others, endorse people, promote products and institutions, and announce events. Profile owners primarily post generic profile images that help them present themselves authentically, for candid images results in less viewer scrutiny. Images are posted on users motives and intentions.

Author

• Mastewal Adane Mellese, Jacobs University Bremen