A picture is worth a thousand words: A content analysis of Facebook profile photographs

Authors:
Noelle J. Hum;Perrin E. Chamberlin;Brittany L. Hambright;Anne C. Portwood;Amanda C. Schat;Jennifer L. Bevan
Affiliations:
Department of Communication Studies, Chapman University, 1 University Drive, Orange, CA 92866, United States;Department of Communication Studies, Chapman University, 1 University Drive, Orange, CA 92866, United States;Department of Communication Studies, Chapman University, 1 University Drive, Orange, CA 92866, United States;Department of Communication Studies, Chapman University, 1 University Drive, Orange, CA 92866, United States;Department of Communication Studies, Chapman University, 1 University Drive, Orange, CA 92866, United States;Department of Communication Studies/M.S. Program in Health and Strategic Communication, Chapman University, 1 University Drive, Orange, CA 92866, United States
Venue:
Computers in Human Behavior
Year:
2011

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Abstract

This research examines identity construction and gender roles in social networking sites by studying and comparing the profile photographs of male and female Facebook users. Specifically, the number of photos in the profile album and the content of the main profile picture are studied by coding specific pictures, and determining if the content and amount of profile pictures differ significantly by gender. Participants include male and female Facebook users between the ages of 18 and 23 who are currently enrolled in a college or university. Profile pictures tended to be inactive, posed, appropriate, and only including the subject. The content and amount of Facebook profile photographs also did not significantly vary by gender. Implications of these findings, as well as suggestions for future research, are discussed.