Exploring digital proxemics : a narrative inquiry on the instagram user experience

Date

7-2023

Degree

Bachelor of Arts in Communication Arts

College

College of Arts and Sciences (CAS)

Adviser/Committee Chair

Jea Agnes T. Buera

Abstract

The concepts of proxemics, which were first introduced by Edward T. Hall in his 1966 book The Hidden Dimension, have traditionally been observed in the physical world, where individuals interact with each other through their physical bodies. However, with the advent of technology and the rise of social media, people now also interact in digital spaces. This study investigated the manifestation of proxemics in the Instagram user experience through narrative thematic analysis. Following John A. McArthur's digital proxemics as a framework, the study revealed the presence of proxemic concepts in Instagram demonstrated through eight different themes from the narratives. These concepts include space, distances, territoriality, density and crowding, identity and space, culture-influenced space management, and intersection with physical space. The findings of this study suggest that digital proxemics, or the spatial relations in digital spaces, can be observed even on social media. In conclusion, the narratives of Instagram users provide insights into how they consider the when, why, and how of using the platform. These patterns resulted in general themes that are comparable to the concepts of proxemics. Therefore, the comparison the narratives to proxemics showed that digital proxemics can be observed even on social media.

Language

English

LC Subject

Spatial behavior, Nonverbal communication, Social media -- Social aspects

Location

UPLB Main Library Special Collections Section (USCS)

Call Number

LG 993.5 2023 M3 S26

Document Type

Thesis

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