What’s behind that screenshot? Digital windows and capturing data on screen

Abstract

The number of digital tools able to capture and manipulate online information poses implications for how users manage content connected to online life. Blending media convergence and networked sociality frameworks, an exploratory content analysis of reasons for taking screenshots led to the development of the digital window, a four-quadrant conceptual model depicting where individuals’ online information – captured by screenshot – resides at any given time. Results indicated that most participants used screenshots either to bookmark or contain information needed to navigate the practicalities of both online and offline life. Screenshots were also used in communication with others, specifically to disclose or reframe information to another audience. In addition to elucidating more data on how social practices shape information and communication technologies like screenshots, the digital window establishes a working visual model for understanding possibilities for networked sociality across convergent architectures.