Analysis of Teenagers’ Facebook Profile Creation with a Special Focus on Photography: Insights from Croatia

Abstract

Today, phones with integrated cameras and affordable photo equipment make it possible for teenagers to take photos at any time and place. To portray themselves in a certain way, teenagers post photos on social networks such as Facebook and Instagram. The social and technical affordances of Facebook enable identity construction by providing the tools to shape the information and photos posted on an individual’s profile in an attempt to regulate how others perceive them. This paper analyzes Facebook profile creation among teenagers with a special focus on photography. The research is based on data obtained through questionnaires taken by 200 12-14-year olds attending primary education schools in Croatia. Research results indicate that teenagers create their profiles on Facebook with great consideration of other people’s opinions, but even more for expression of their true selves. For the participants in this study, posting photos that reflect their identity, their feelings, or their lifestyle is more important than posting photos with the intention of being liked by others.