Get Fame in the "WRETCH" - A Research on the Online Photo Album Users

• Main Authors: Huei-chi Lin, 林慧琪
• Other Authors: 許瓊文
• Format: Others
• Language: zh-TW
• Published: 2006
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/27875660147042803140

碩士 === 國立中正大學 === 電訊傳播研究所 === 94 === The emergence of online photo albums offers a channel for self-expression with assistance of pictures alone with words. Meanwhile, the interaction of online users also has an influence on the way in which the photo albums are being used. The technique of diffused audience circle of the Spectacle/Performance Paradigm (SPP) is being adopted in this study in an attempt to investigate online photo album users in terms of their performance and narcissism process. Furthermore, the correlation between SPP and Internet Addiction will be explored through the analysis of “instrumental usage” as contrast with “ceremonial usage.” This study combines the methods of quantitative research (questionnaire) and qualitative research (in-depth interview). The results of questionnaire identify seven motives for people using online photo albums; namely “Information Seeking”, “Friendship Making”, “Diversion and Fun”, “Relationship Maintenance”, and “Aesthetics Seeking” for ceremonial usage, and “Interface Convenience” and “Monetary Compensation” for instrumental usage. On the other hand, in-depth interview suggests people would use online photo albums on the purpose of self-expression in a way to share their lives with others. In addition, results also indicate that people with motives concerning ceremonial usage have the tendency to Internet Addition, and that student group together with those online for a longer period of time is subject to Internet Addition as well. Also through the analysis of regression method with regard to diffused audience, ceremonial usage and Internet Addition, positive correlations have been identified among those three. Respondents with signs of diffused audience would be prone to stay online longer and be more involved in online activities, thus leading to an inclination to Internet Addition. The results of in-depth interviews suggest that online photo albums have caused a significant influence on interviewees in terms of their lives in that they spend lots of time not only online but offline as well. As for online celebrities thanks to the emergence of online photo albums, they have accumulated a growing popularity to an extent that they even have more exposure on media, let alone a growing number of fan base. The fans sometimes achieve a sense of self-identification in admiration of online celebrities. On the other hand, the interaction between online celebrities and fans has led to the way in which the former express themselves and post pictures. The roles of spectators and performers have some degree of interchangeability. When performing, the performers are aware of the fact that they are being watched, and in order to present an ideal side of themselves, they would do something extra in attainment of better appearances. In other words, self-image is of importance so far as the respondents are concerned; they would weigh against their perspective of self-image to decide how they would like to present themselves.