Genuine or Phony? A Q-Sort Study of the Perceived Authenticity of Self-Photographs and Selfies

• In Event: Authenticity and Iconicity Across Visual Media Genres

Abstract

Digital self-representations, for example selfies, are pervasive elements of current digital visual cultures. This paper centers on subjective audience perceptions of expressive authenticity in the field of vernacular self-photography. It reviews research into visual identity work on SNS and visual authenticity in the digital environment. Q methodology, a qualitative-quantitative approach to the study of subjectivity in human behavior, is applied to assess the perceived authenticity of self-representations. Therefore, Q-sorts of 33 different self-photographs were obtained from 29 participants and combined with open interviews in the tradition of visual elicitation. The study provides new insights into the perception of authenticity, as Q factor analysis yielded four groups of participants, who differ regarding their evaluation of the authenticity of self-photographs. The analysis reveals essential differences among the factors as regards the meaning of various features, for example, poses, visual styles, and photographic setting, for the authenticity of self-images.

Authors

• Katharina Lobinger, University of Bremen, Centre for Media, Communication and Information Research (ZeMKI)

• Cornelia Brantner, U of Vienna