The Narrative Gap:A Study Of Self-presentation On Wechat Profile Pictures Across Different Generetion

With the enrichment and popularization of social media platforms,users’ online self presentation means continue to expand.As one of the most widely used social media in China,wechat has built a performance "stage" with different functions for users of different ages.Wechat profile picture is one of the "stages".With its rich,narrative and open features,wechat profile pictures provide users with a unique "presence" and "performance" front stage for online communication,and provide rich visual symbols for interaction between users.This study is based on Z generation,young,middle-aged and elderly wechat users.And adopts the researching methods of questionnaire survey,in-depth interview and network ethnography.Starting from the different characteristics of the use of wechat profile pictures between generations,this paper analyzes the different landscapes of performance behavior in the "front stage" of wechat profile pictures,as well as the influencing factors of different landscapes.The study found that in the content of "self-narration" of wechat profile pictures,there are significant differences between generations.Users of different ages have different preferences in choosing their wechat profile pictures.The wechat profile pictures of Z generation users are more diversified.Young users tend to display the "functionality" of the wechat profile pictures,while the wechat profile pictures of middle-aged and elderly users are "visionary".However,in terms of attitude and strategy of "self-narration",users of different ages adopt active self presentation strategy,and launch profile picture narration with the motivation of self satisfaction and mentality display,trying to present themselves in an ideal state on this "stage".Behind the "front stage" performance,there are many factors.Among them,self-identity is the dominant factor,and the intergenerational two-way interaction process behind wechat profile picture also restricts and influences users’ self presentation behavior by the process of discipline-resistance-compromise.