Identifying Dimensions and Components of Personality Message Analysis through Profile Pictures in Iranian Users

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study was to identify the dimensions and components of personality message analysis through profile pictures in Iranian users. Methodology: This study was applied in terms of its objective and qualitative in terms of its implementation method. The research population consisted of Instagram users with more than 1000 followers who regularly displayed themselves at least three times a day. The research sample included 60 of the aforementioned users who were selected through purposive sampling, and their profile pictures were examined and analyzed. Data were collected through the analysis of Instagram profile pictures of Iranian users, with validity confirmed using triangulation and reliability calculated through an intercoder agreement coefficient of 0.83. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Findings: The findings of this study indicated that personality messages through profile pictures in Iranian users included 9 components within 5 dimensions: the choice of image type as group or selfie (with two components of social communication tendency and extroversion), facial expressions and emotions (with two components of positivity and pleasant feelings), photo environment (with two components of interest in nature and a healthy and natural lifestyle), choice of clothing and appearance (with two components of professionalism and seriousness at work), and non-verbal messages (with one component of interest in adventure). Finally, the model of dimensions and components for analyzing personality messages through profile pictures in Iranian users was designed. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that personality messages of Iranian users can be understood through their profile pictures. Therefore, profile pictures are one of the ways to recognize the personality of virtual space users, especially on Instagram.