Abstract

This study investigated the impact of facial prominence in Facebook profile images on perceived competency. It also considered the gender of the subject in the profile image and the gender of the respondent. A survey was administered to 177 undergraduate students asking them to rate the level of perceived competency for four Facebook profile images. Results indicated that Facebook profile images with high face-ism levels were rated significantly higher than that of images with low face-ism levels. Contrary to predictions, profile images of females were rated significantly more competent than images of males. Gender of the respondent played a significant role in evaluating competency in three of the four cases with female participants rating images of males and females significantly higher than male participants.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Facebook (Electronic resource)--Public opinion; Social media--Research; Facial expression--Public opinion; Sex role--Public opinion

Publication Date

1-20-2015

Document Type

Thesis

Student Type

Graduate

Degree Name

Communication and Media Technologies (MS)

Department, Program, or Center

Department of Communication (CLA)

Advisor

Patrick Scanlon

Advisor/Committee Member

Kelly Norris Martin

Advisor/Committee Member

Sarah Thompson

Comments

Physical copy available from RIT's Wallace Library at HM742 .P49 2014

Campus

RIT – Main Campus

Plan Codes

COMMTCH-MS

Download

Share

COinS