Capturing experiences in the outdoors using social networking sites through photo-elicitation

Prince, Heather ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6199-4892 (2018) Capturing experiences in the outdoors using social networking sites through photo-elicitation. In: International Seminar of the European Institute of Outdoor Adventure Education and Experiential Learning (EOE), 19-23 September 2018, Bohinj, Slovenia. (Unpublished)

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Abstract

Social networking sites (SNSs) such as Facebook and Instagram are relatively recent and latterly contested phenomena. With images and text of people’s lives posted across many mediums, the ability to keep ourselves ‘updated’ appears to have more intrinsic importance and is changing the way we see ourselves. The line between our digital and real lives is becoming increasingly blurred in the public representation of ourselves and in the portrayal of the ‘possible’ self. This interpretive phenomenological research investigates the ways in which people capture their experiences in the outdoors through photographs, and how they select those to post on SNSs. The purpose was to ascertain whether there are differences between males and females in the choices they make, and the perceived intrinsic importance for them of sharing photographs on open or private sites. The data illustrate the reasons for taking and posting photographs and the influence of social recognition and reaction. A pilot study comprised a layered analysis of photo-elicitation semi-structured interviews with four females and four males using photographs taken by them of their outdoor experiences. The photographs were analysed using symbolic interaction and data were coded into eight categories and four themes: outdoor activity, outdoor environment, themselves and friends. Females were more likely to post photographs of the environment and to edit these for colour enhancement; males were more likely to post photograph of the outdoor activity and friends and were unlikely to edit their photographs. Gender differences were evident across the environment – people/activity domains. The importance of images containing friends by male participants constituted a difference to previous photo-elicitation research in this context but may illustrate the strong influence of SNSs. To test the reliability of these data, this study will be extended in 2018, and include the effect of participants’ cultural background in Europe.

Item Type:	Conference or Workshop Item (Paper)
Departments:	Academic Departments > Science, Natural Resources & Outdoor Studies (SNROS) > Outdoor Studies
Depositing User:	Heather Prince
Date Deposited:	11 Oct 2018 11:09
Last Modified:	12 Jan 2024 20:31
URI:	https://insight.cumbria.ac.uk/id/eprint/4133

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