Capturing Injustice: The Screenshot as a Tool for Sousveillance
Bryan M. Jenkins, Emily M. Cramer
Abstract
Framing the screenshot as a tiny-but-mighty tool for digital sousveillance, this case study explores the use of screenshots in online social justice movements, specifically those dedicated to identifying and eradicating systemic racism. Using one antiracism-focused Twitter account as a single case for analysis, we examined how social justice advocates may use the screenshot to “watch from below.” Grounded theory qualitative analysis of 228 screenshots posted to the Racism Watchdog account (@RacismDog) between June 2019 and June 2020 revealed that screenshots offer a means to capture and call attention to injustices in online spaces. Equipping users with the ability to select and frame content appearing onscreen, screenshots also allow users to emphasize portions of racist comments, incorporate information to support an argument, juxtapose bits of information to highlight rhetorical contradictions, and occasionally to bring levity to those engaged in online activism. We discuss the screenshot as an effective, visually persuasive tool in online sousveillance.