Changing concepts of privacy? Privacy and Social Network Sites

Trültzsch-wijnen, S. (2011). Changing concepts of privacy? Privacy and Social Network Sites . Zagreb conference: "New challenges and methodological innovations in European media audience research". 7-9 April 2011.

Abstract: The paper discusses an aspect of cultural change driven by the new communication technologies of social web, focusing on publicly presented privacy. Object of research is the SNS StudiVZ, popular in the German- speaking countries. Text and photographs are used to present private information. The role of photographs in a change towards a new culture of ‚exhibitionism‘ is of special importance: They better attract attention to one’s profile than written information, since they have an authentic style in presenting parts of private life. (Pscheida/ Trültzsch 2009, 2010) In this argumentation two dimensions – content and presentation including their relation – are relevant for a success in attracting attention. In a pilot study 400 StudiVZ-profiles were analysed, with a two method combination: The elements of each profile where analysed with a partly standardised thematic content analysis (Flick 2003), using different schemes for text and photo. (Including quantitative data for usernames, photos etc.) For the analysis of the photographs a complex qualitative method of categorization was used, combining the dimensions content and arrangement to a nine square scheme. While the majority of private text-information was published publicly, the fewer published pictures are moderate in content and arrangement (according to mentioned scheme). Extreme private snapshots, discussed controversially in the media, only make up a small number. On the basis of such analysis differentiated results of text elements and photos can be presented, regarding the changes in concepts of public and privacy: Since there is a sensibility for privacy, the concept seems to change only partly.