Social network sites for Leidenschaften
In my thesis I study how people appropriate social network sites for their leidenschaften, the German word for “passion”. I prefer "Leidenschaft" to "passion" because it combines "suffering" ("leiden") with the single-minded pursuit of a goal ("schaffen"). This combination provides a fertile ground for the study and design of interactive technologies.
In my first two studies I worked (out) with bodybuilders in Australia and California to understand the goals and motivations that drive them, as well as the sacrifices involved in their lifestyle. Training and dieting or basically starving for bodybuilding competitions is immensely demanding. However, one of the biggest challenges for bodybuilders is isolation from their peers coupled with a lack of understanding by the public. Social network sites like BodySpace play a critical role in establishing networks with other bodybuilders who provide them with critical support.
Figure 1: With pro-bodybuilder Will Harris at Gold's Gym, Venice
In my current study I work with clubs of advanced amateur photographers to study their use of Flickr and other social network sites. Photographers are similarly leidenschaftlich (passionate) about what they do. I chose photo clubs, because their use of social network sites is not primarily motivated by social isolation. I am at the beginning of this study, seeking to find out more about their use of social network sites and the technical, creative and financial challenges involved in this leidenschaft.
Figure 2: My analogue film camera, which helps me to explore the leidenschaft of photography
Having two different studies will show what is peculiar to each leidenschaft and social network site and what is generic. The theoretical contribution will be to extend current theories on the relationship between online and offline activities. As a contribution to practice I strive to surface the potentials of social network sites for other leidenschaften, may it be playing the piano, performing a triathlon or any other activity people value.
Last update: 31 August, 2009
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