Self-expression through Profile Image Selection among Iranian Female Users of Social Networks based on Goffman’s Dramaturgical Model

Abstract

The present study investigates self-expression through profile image selection among Iranian female users in social networks (case study: Facebook) based on Erving Goffman’s dramaturgical theory. Goffman’s dramaturgical theory regards society as the stage of a theater and actors as players. If social networks can be perceived as a society in which users play their roles, then the selection of profile images can be regarded as the beginning of this process. Cyberspace allows users to have a selected “self” when dealing with others and express it in a variety of ways, including profile image selection. This paper follows visual culture studies that emphasize culture as an element influencing visual experience and vice versa. Such an attitude allows identifying cultural aspects which influence the selection of profile images by female users. The present study was conducted to analyze these images using 200 profile images. We also used qualitative content analysis and quantitative analyses to observe and classify the identified categories. Based on the results of the present study, women seem to tend to create and display an ideal self in their profile images. Such a selection is consistent with gender stereotypes and involves in the reproduction and enforcement of gender norms and performing them.

Keywords

• profile image
• women
• self-expression
• dramaturgical theory
• visual culture