"We're communicators by nature, and things like Instagram offer us a new language to speak with" say Daryl Peveto and Matt Slaby from Luceo Image Agency in a recent interview about the shifts in the paradigms of photographic and online communication (Laurent, 2012). Considering the increasing volume of communication via online channels, their words may be interpreted as not surprising at all. However, the universe of social media platforms shows a great diversity in terms of the distinct offerings for different motivational needs of the users. Inspiring from this variance, this paper will first highlight the distinct features of Instagram. Secondly, the paper will attempt to assert Instagram into an alternative and empirically supported framework of social media goals by Hoffman and Novak (2012) in order to differentiate its utility from other platforms. Thirdly the paper will critically compare and contrast Instagram and other well-known social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Xing, Google+) on the basis of variety of theories like social interaction, self-understanding and self-expression. A subsequent conclusion will then be formulated with respect to the whole analysis.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Scanning Instagram
3. Placing Instagram into a Framework
4. Comparative Analysis of Instagram on Theoretical Basis
5. Conclusion
Objectives and Topics
This paper examines Instagram from a psychological science perspective, aiming to categorize its utility within an empirically supported framework of social media goals and contrast it with other major platforms using communication theories.
- Analysis of Instagram's distinct features and communication style.
- Application of the Hoffman and Novak (2012) social media goal framework.
- Evaluation of Instagram through the lens of social interaction and self-presentation.
- Comparison of visual-based content sharing against text-heavy social networks.
- Investigation into how the platform influences self-understanding and self-expression.
Excerpt from the Book
Scanning Instagram
Instagram is defined as a fun and quirky way to share your life with friends through a series of pictures in its official website. In its essence, the application allows its users to filter ( for further beautification) the photos taken with a mobile phone and provides a quick sharing experience by smoothly connecting the user with other social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook. Currently provided only for iPhone and Android systems, Instagram had reached a dazzling number of a hundred millions of users since 2010 (Bulas, 2012). Confirming the potential of a picture to be worth of thousand words, Instagram is the social form of the image par excellence (Chan, 2012). It is a unique medium where the image becomes a communicative act as a part of the whole social networking experience. Interestingly, this hybrid act occurs with the simplicity in communication (chiefly non-verbal) and action (its smooth sharing features).
Differring from other online social media platforms, Instagram allows its user to be anonymous by providing them a choice between publishing their photos publicly or privately. This functional anonymity is an important feature of Instagram and it customizes the scopes for interaction. In a sense, users are mostly being identified with what they create rather than who they are. "The Instagram community re-enforced our existing notion that content is king. The photos we posted with a deeper meaning got more of a reaction" says Nick DeNardis (2012) from Wayne State University following his case study on his first 2 days in Instagram.
Summary of Chapters
Introduction: Provides an overview of the shifting paradigms in online communication and outlines the paper's goal to place Instagram into a theoretical framework.
Scanning Instagram: Describes the technical essence and unique communicative nature of Instagram as a platform focused on image sharing and non-verbal interaction.
Placing Instagram into a Framework: Explores Hoffman and Novak's 4C model to map user goals and positions Instagram within the continuum of consumption and creation.
Comparative Analysis of Instagram on Theoretical Basis: Contrasts Instagram with other platforms by analyzing psychological factors such as social interaction, self-understanding, and self-expression.
Conclusion: Summarizes how Instagram’s revolutionary approach to visual content has reshaped online communication and solidified its success.
Keywords
Instagram, Social Media, Communication, Interaction, Hoffman and Novak, Social Screen, Self-expression, Self-understanding, Computer Mediated Communication, Digital Photography, Content Consumption, Social Networking, Photojournalism, Non-verbal Communication, User Motivation
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core subject of this paper?
The paper explores the rise of Instagram as a medium for communication and social interaction, analyzing it through a psychological lens.
What are the central themes discussed?
The main themes include user motivation, the communicative value of images, social media goal frameworks, and self-presentation strategies.
What is the primary research goal?
The goal is to integrate Instagram into the 4C framework (consume, create, connect, control) developed by Hoffman and Novak and to contrast its functionality with other networks.
Which scientific method is utilized?
The research relies on a comparative theoretical analysis, synthesizing existing literature, case studies, and psychological theories to interpret Instagram's role.
What topics are covered in the main body?
The body analyzes the app's features, maps its goals within a unifying theory, and examines psychological pillars like social interaction and self-expression.
Which keywords best characterize this work?
Key terms include Instagram, social media goals, communication, psychological perspective, self-presentation, and visual content.
How does Instagram differ from professional networks like LinkedIn?
The paper argues that Instagram prioritizes engagement and content creation for personal expression, whereas LinkedIn emphasizes professional identity and profile status.
What role do non-verbal cues play on Instagram?
In the absence of traditional verbal text, Instagram uses image content and non-verbal gists to facilitate interaction and form user identity.
What is the significance of the "social screen" concept?
The social screen consists of a mirror, a surface, and a window, which collectively help users project their identity and consume content, acting as a proxy for presence.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Kaan Akkanat (Autor:in), 2012, Communication and Interaction on Instagram. A Psychological Science Perspective, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/292770
