Innovations to Photovoice: Using Smartphones & Social Media

Abstract

Photovoice, a participatory action research method, has evolved little over the past two decades. The ubiquity of smartphones and their utility as digital cameras make them a natural fit for photovoice projects. The use of social media to post photographs and comment also has the potential to be a platform for photovoice activities. Using these technologies for photovoice promotes capturing daily life in vivo without the need of additional equipment. These technologies also allow the research team to see photos posted daily and track comments without waiting for scheduled interviews or group meetings and elevates the discussion into the public sphere to facilitate wider engagement. These strategies may also produce more photos and narratives than traditional methods by leveraging technology people use daily. Study participants noted these technologies facilitated wider understanding, awareness, and discussions of neighborhood issues.