Short answer

When designing for or featuring content from vulnerable populations, prioritize methods that maintain the integrity and authenticity of their self-representation, resisting simplistic or sensationalist media framing.

Field: Classic Design
Source: Popular Communication (2017)
Method: Qualitative analysis combining theoretical frameworks of digital self-representation, theatrical spectatorship, and concepts of power.
Evidence: Strong effect

The digital self-representation of migrants and refugees through selfies can be appropriated and marginalized by mainstream news media, creating a form of 'symbolic bordering' that mirrors geopolitical boundaries. This classic design research insight is drawn from a 2017 study published in Popular Communication. Using Qualitative analysis combining theoretical frameworks of digital self-representation, theatrical spectatorship, and concepts of power., researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: When designing for or featuring content from vulnerable populations, prioritize methods that maintain the integrity and authenticity of their self-representation, resisting simplistic or sensationalist media framing.

Study

Classic DesignHigh ImpactStrong effect

Selfies as Symbolic Bordering: Migrant Digital Testimonies in News Media

Popular Communication · 2017

Key Findings

01Selfies can function as a potent form of digital self-representation for migrants and refugees.
02Mainstream news media's appropriation of these selfies can lead to 'symbolic bordering', marginalizing or displacing their original meaning.
03This symbolic bordering parallels and reinforces geopolitical bordering practices.

Application

Design takeaway

How to apply

When designing digital platforms or campaigns that involve user-generated content from specific communities, implement clear guidelines and review processes to safeguard the authenticity of contributions.

Project actions

01Consider how your design choices might affect the interpretation of user-generated content.
02Think about the ethical implications of representing marginalized groups in your design projects.

Method & Evidence

AimTo investigate how migrant and refugee selfies are remediated in mainstream news and how this process constitutes 'symbolic bordering'.

MethodQualitative analysis combining theoretical frameworks of digital self-representation, theatrical spectatorship, and concepts of power.

ProcedureThe study analyzes the remediation of migrant and refugee selfies within Western news media, framing this as a case study of 'symbolic bordering'.

ContextDigital news media and the representation of migrants and refugees.

Variables

IVRemediation of migrant/refugee selfies in news media.

DVThe creation of 'symbolic bordering' (appropriation, marginalization, displacement of digital testimonies).

CV["The specific aesthetic and technological practices of selfie-taking.","Theatrical conceptions of spectatorship.","Theories of power and biopower."]

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

+Provides a novel theoretical framework ('symbolic bordering') for analyzing media representation.
+Connects digital practices to broader geopolitical and power structures.

Limitations

The specific case studies might not cover all types of digital media or all migrant/refugee experiences.

Reliability & validity

The study's validity relies on the strength of its theoretical framework and the detailed analysis of case studies. Reliability would depend on the replicability of the analytical approach by other researchers.

Think critically

How can designers actively counter 'symbolic bordering' in their own projects and advocate for more authentic representation of marginalized voices?

Design Principles

"Authenticity in representation: Ensure that user-generated content from marginalized groups is presented in a way that respects and preserves its original intent and context."

Understanding how digital self-representation is mediated and potentially distorted by news outlets is crucial for designers creating platforms or content related to social issues. It highlights the power dynamics inherent in media representation and the importance of preserving the authentic voice of marginalized groups.

What This Means for Your Design

This research shows how news stories can change the meaning of photos people post online, especially for migrants and refugees, making their stories less powerful.

How to use in your project

1.Use this research to justify your design choices regarding user-generated content or the representation of specific groups.
2.Discuss how your design aims to avoid 'symbolic bordering' or to amplify authentic voices.

Add to My Project

Quick Cite

Paragraph starter

This study by Chouliaraki (2017) highlights the concept of 'symbolic bordering,' where digital self-representations, such as selfies from migrants and refugees, can be appropriated and marginalized by mainstream news media. This process can distort original meanings and reinforce geopolitical divisions, underscoring the need for designers to prioritize authentic representation and avoid the dilution of powerful personal narratives.

Source

Popular Communication

Symbolic bordering: The self-representation of migrants and refugees in digital news

journal · 2017

View source

Questions About This Research

What does the research say about selfies as symbolic bordering: migrant digital testimonies in news media?: When designing for or featuring content from vulnerable populations, prioritize methods that maintain the integrity and authenticity of their self-representation, resisting simplistic or sensationalist media framing. Evidence: Popular Communication (2017).
Why does "Selfies as Symbolic Bordering: Migrant Digital Testimonies in News Media" matter for design?: Understanding how digital self-representation is mediated and potentially distorted by news outlets is crucial for designers creating platforms or content related to social issues. It highlights the power dynamics inherent in media representation and the importance of preserving the authentic voice of marginalized groups.
How can designers apply this research?: When designing for or featuring content from vulnerable populations, prioritize methods that maintain the integrity and authenticity of their self-representation, resisting simplistic or sensationalist media framing.
What were the main findings?: Selfies can function as a potent form of digital self-representation for migrants and refugees.. Mainstream news media's appropriation of these selfies can lead to 'symbolic bordering', marginalizing or displacing their original meaning.. This symbolic bordering parallels and reinforces geopolitical bordering practices.
What research method was used?: Qualitative analysis combining theoretical frameworks of digital self-representation, theatrical spectatorship, and concepts of power..
How strong is the evidence?: Evidence strength is rated Strong effect, based on a 2017 journal from Popular Communication.
What should I do differently in my next project?: When designing digital platforms or campaigns that involve user-generated content from specific communities, implement clear guidelines and review processes to safeguard the authenticity of contributions.
What are the limitations?: The study focuses on specific instances of media remediation and may not represent all instances of migrant and refugee self-representation online.