Clickstream Mosaic: A Mixed Methods Study of Photo Dumping's Impact on Laguna College Students' Communication, Lifestyle, and Self-Discovery

Abstract

The popularity of photo/video dumps has captured the attention of many social media users, particularly during the peak of the pandemic wherein in-person interactions were limited or strictly prohibited in order to safeguard everyone's health and well being. This mode of virtual engagement allowed individuals in the digital sphere to share their moments, memories, and experiences through a curated collection of photos and videos or a combination of both digital mediums. However, there’s an existing debate whether this form of online interaction prioritizes an idealized perception of oneself to follow a trend or gain some public attention. Others argue that its essence lies in authentic and genuine sharing of personal experiences transparently and in an enjoyable manner. Notably, this trend has resonated notably with the Gen Z demographic, particularly among college students, including those in the Filipino college community. As these students navigate post-pandemic challenges with the return to face to-face learning environments, they face a unique set of hurdles and adjustments. The researcher's objective was to explore the influence of photo/video dumps on the lifestyle and self-discovery of college Instagram users, with a focus on students in Laguna, Philippines. Employing a Convergent Parallel design, combining both quantitative and qualitative research methods, the study aimed to comprehend user engagement, communication, and behavior related to photo/video dumps. A total of 100 eligible respondents were surveyed, and from these, 10 respondents were selected for Online Interview and Observation to delve deeper into the research. The data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including frequency distribution and percentages. Transcriptions were also made to further understand the data obtained from the Online Interview and Observation phase. Research findings show that the majority of college Instagram users in Laguna dedicate 1-2 hours daily to the platform, or an estimated total of 14 hours per week. They occasionally take part in photo/video dumps by sharing and capturing random events. Meanwhile, CapCut is a commonly used app to create visually appealing photo and video compilations to add a personal touch. Interestingly, video dumps are favored over photo dumps. The engagement with photo/video dumps significantly influences the lifestyle and self-discovery journey of college Instagram users in Laguna, impacting various aspects like interaction, motivation, creativity, and authenticity. Challenges encountered in this activity include editing frustrations, privacy concerns, personal issues, among others, for which the researcher provides recommendations. While photo/video dumps may have started as a trend, they continue to serve their original purpose of personal reflection, memory preservation, and self-expression on a designated platform.