A1 Journal article (refereed)
Individuals, Representatives, and Racers : Instagram Images of F1 and F1 Esports Series Drivers (2024)
Malinen, V. (2024). Individuals, Representatives, and Racers : Instagram Images of F1 and F1 Esports Series Drivers. International Journal of Esports. https://www.ijesports.org/article/128/html
JYU authors or editors
Publication details
All authors or editors: Malinen, Ville
Journal or series: International Journal of Esports
eISSN: 2634-1069
Publication year: 2024
Publication date: 04/01/2024
Publisher: IJESPORTS
Publication country: United Kingdom
Publication language: English
Persistent website address: https://www.ijesports.org/article/128/html
Publication open access: Openly available
Publication channel open access: Open Access channel
Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/95035
Abstract
The methods used were critical discourse analysis and close reading. The theorical frameworks featured Kellner’s critical cultural theory and Richard Dyer and Christine Geraghty’s star theories regarding Western societies.
The results showed a clear difference in the volume, quality, and variety of content and discourses between F1 drivers and F1 esports drivers. Furthermore, the lack of team presence was apparent within esports stars’ posts, underlining the fewer production forces and stakeholders behind the industry, signifying that esports stars have less socio-cultural echo than F1’s. Sim racers also had less stardom variation, but their fans likely congregate on other media platforms.
It appears that much of F1 esports stars’ power derives from the real-life racing teams that provide the resources to create and maintain stardom regardless of that individual star’s characteristics. Stakeholders seem to regard esports as less worthy to invest in, viewing the industry as more of a superfluity for brand image and visibility than a necessity. This subject requires further examination in the near future by including other media and continued scrutiny to determine if these series driver’s images grow more equivalent.
Keywords: motor sports; Formula one; electronic sports; racing video games; top athletes; stardom; image (profile); representation (mental objects); social media; Instagram; discourse analysis; critical theory
Contributing organizations
Related projects
- Centre of Excellence in Game Culture Studies / 2
- Koskimaa, Raine
- Research Council of Finland
- Centre of Excellence in Game Culture Studies
- Koskimaa, Raine
- Research Council of Finland
- Centre of Excellence in Game Culture Studies, continuation
- Koskimaa, Raine
- Research Council of Finland
Ministry reporting: Yes
VIRTA submission year: 2024
Preliminary JUFO rating: 1