Image use in social network communication: a case study of tweets on the Boston marathon bombing

This study aimed to understand how images are used in communication practices in the Twitter environment. One thousand four hundred twenty-eight Boston marathon bombing related Twitter messages with embedded images were collected, and content analysis was conducted. Characteristics of image use were examined and were analysed by type of Twitter messages. People used diverse types of images in Twitter messages including: direct photos, captured images, computer graphics, and maps. Depending on the content of Twitter messages, uses of images were categorised into four types: 1) to illustrate news, information, and anecdotes, 2) to disseminate visual information that cannot be provided through words, 3) to express emotions/opinions, or to call for action from the public, and 4) to add visual components to emphasise text messages. 45% of images enclosed text within them. In some images, text and visuals were equally important in conveying messages, and showed complementary relationships; whereas in other images, text was used to direct readers on how the image ought to be read.