I am a camera: The mediated self

Abstract

This paper argues that an individual's self image is in large part media dependent. The case is made for this position by first establishing George Herbert Mead's theory of self and the role of interpersonal communication in the formulation of self image. The concept of mediated interpersonal communication is then explained and linked to Mead's position that the self can be known only through communication, thereby expanding the crucial function of communication to include media's role in the formulation of a self image. Specifically, the role of the photographic media in the formulation of a self image is analyzed and a new research paradigm for studies of the self is suggested.

Key concepts:

• Self
• self image
• self concept
• generalized other
• role taking
• intrapersonal communication
• mediated interpersonal communication
• photographic images
• mass media images