A study of the role of profile pictures in impression management on Face book

Abstract

Face book profile image provides ample opportunity to the FB users to portray a visual self-presentation within this social networking circle. Profile images play a vital role to establish an impression on the other users’ mind, particularly when each online friend may not be known to the other. Existing research reveals multiple aspects of FB users’ intention, attitude and approach towards the profileimages, such as frequency of change by the young FB users, the triggers for change of profile images, and the difference in approach according to gender. Drawing on the theoretical perspective of impression management and other relevant theories, the present study will explore the role of profile pictures in influencing the perception of other FB users in the Indian context. The study uses the tools of content analysis and survey to address the research questions.