The article I decided to read for this analysis focused on the examination of how athletes engaged in self-presentation using Instagram, and the gender differences that emerged from their self-presentation behaviors. Previous research on this subject had been centered on more text-based mediums, such as blogs and Twitter. With visual mediums becoming more popular the researchers wanted to determine how athletes engaged in self-presentation through a visual platform, and how self-presentation differed by gender. Though reading this article I learned that a few professional athletes had been fired or demoted to practice squads because of their presence on social media. Using these platforms, athletes take a more active part in their public presentation
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Additionally, themes of “Dedicated Athlete” and “Personality Traits and Interests” showed up frequently. These included photographs of the athletes training or showing a glimpse of their non-athlete side, maybe making a joke or being sarcastic. The final two themes that showed up were “Endorser” and “Socialite.” While the two may seem intertwined, the “socialite” posts showcased athletes at galas, parties, or high profile events while the “endorser” posts pitched a sponsor of theirs. Through the analysis of athlete’s Instagram posts there often were differences between what women and men were sharing with their …show more content…
This opened by eyes to the various ways that athletes use their social media to portray their true identify, instead of relying on the media to create one for them. I believe that in looking at Instagram posts, the researchers were able to gauge a pretty accurate description of themes used by prominent athletes. It seems that professional athletes and their organizations should utilize this study as a tool for determining proper social media self-presentation in order to best accommodate athletes and the organization. It is always fun for fans to get a glimpse into the true identity of their favorite players, while also having the athlete serve as a positive role model for their
Additionally, themes of “Dedicated Athlete” and “Personality Traits and Interests” showed up frequently. These included photographs of the athletes training or showing a glimpse of their non-athlete side, maybe making a joke or being sarcastic. The final two themes that showed up were “Endorser” and “Socialite.” While the two may seem intertwined, the “socialite” posts showcased athletes at galas, parties, or high profile events while the “endorser” posts pitched a sponsor of theirs. Through the analysis of athlete’s Instagram posts there often were differences between what women and men were sharing with their …show more content…
This opened by eyes to the various ways that athletes use their social media to portray their true identify, instead of relying on the media to create one for them. I believe that in looking at Instagram posts, the researchers were able to gauge a pretty accurate description of themes used by prominent athletes. It seems that professional athletes and their organizations should utilize this study as a tool for determining proper social media self-presentation in order to best accommodate athletes and the organization. It is always fun for fans to get a glimpse into the true identity of their favorite players, while also having the athlete serve as a positive role model for their