This Is Who I Am: The Selfie as a Personal and Social Identity Marker

Authors

  • Valerie Barker San Diego State University
  • Nathian S. Rodriguez San Diego State University

Keywords:

selfies, personal, social identity

Abstract

Prior studies have described selfies as narcissistic vehicles of self-presentation; by contrast, based on social identity theory, this survey of young adults (N = 472) examined how selfies signify forms of personal and social identity. Identity motivations for selfies, social capital affinity on social media, and racial identity were predictors of selfie intensity. Confirming other research, women were most likely to share selfies, but also reported differences to men in selfie identity motivations and contexts. Among LGBTQ participants, selfies for empowerment correlated with online activism.

Author Biographies

Valerie Barker, San Diego State University

Dr. Valerie Barker was the chair of the Digital and Social Media Research Project in  the School of Journalism and Media Studies at San Diego State University. Her most recent research focuses on the processes underlying and outcomes from interaction with various web genre – especially social networking sites. As well, she has investigated the social identity processes associated with social networking sites with regard to the role of gender, culture , and age. Dr. Barker's publications have appeared in New Media and Society, Journal of Broadcasting and Electronic Media, Cyberpsychology, Behavior and Social Networking, Journal of Social Media in Society, Journal of Communication , Health Communication , the International Journal of Aging and Human Development , Journal of Intercultural Communication Research, and the Journal of Multilingual and Multicultural Development . 

Nathian S. Rodriguez, San Diego State University

Dr. Nathian Shae Rodriguez specializes in critical-cultural and digital media studies. He grew up in Balmorhea, Texas and was valedictorian of his graduating class. He attended the University of Texas of the Permian Basin where he received a B.A. in Mass Communication. He went on to receive a Masters of Journalism and Mass Communication with a Concentration in Public Relations from Kent State University and a Ph.D. from Texas Tech University. His research focuses on minority representation in media, specifically LGBTQ and Latinx portrayals and identity negotiation, as well as pop culture, identity, radio broadcasting, and issues of masculinity.Currently, Dr. Rodriguez is investigating the role of communication (mediated and interpersonal), in the identity negotiation of LGBTI refugees/asylees in the U.S.He has 10 years professional radio experience as on-air talent, sales, promotions, and social media marketing.

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Published

2019-03-14

Issue

Vol. 13 (2019)

Section

Articles

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