I hardly follow any celebrities on Instagram. Frankly, I just do not care enough to keep up with their hectic and seemingly fabulous lives. University of Washington quarterback Jake Browning (HERE) is my exception.
Although Jake is a student living a fairly average life, he has many different eyes on him. Like any junior in college, he must have close friends, family and classmates following him. Jake is also a public figure trusted to embody University of Washington athletics and the values of the entire college, so he needs to uphold a positive public image. Recruiters and coaches may also be investigating his instagram as he approaches his senior season and possibly a professional football career. Most young people hoping to stay “relevant” have accounts on Instagram, but Jake is motivated by much more than a need to follow the trend. Photographs are the principal feature of instagram, paired with captions of up to 2,000 characters. The text is limited, but "a picture is worth a thousand words". Despite the lack of written explanations, Instagram easily communicates plenty of information about the user. With many audiences and objectives, Jake uses his Instagram profile to present himself as a bright, friendly, talented and well-rounded young man that friends, fans and recruiters alike will respect and appreciate. Jake accomplishes this portrayal with the subtle, almost undetectable, use of rhetorical devices. Along with utilizing ethos in his pictures, Jake also gains credibility with what is not on his account. He does not get into any “comment wars” and never posts anything inappropriate or negative. There may be some guidelines from staff regarding the content on his profile, but ultimately Jake has authority. He posts photos from moments that seem very special for him. He maintains a very personal and authentic voice. He seems very honest and humble by uploading mostly photos with others, and mentioning his appreciation for them in the attached caption. It easy to realize that Jake is a team-player. Pictured hugging teammate Dante Pettis, he says “shoutout to @dmainy8 for breaking the record tonight”. For a picture with star quarterback Peyton Manning he writes, “got to learn a few things from one of the greatest to play the position this past weekend”. This post demonstrates his respect for for others, a willingness to learn and improve, dedication to his sport and even hints at professional aspirations. Also, he adds “#sunburned” as a response to the redness in his face which shows his humor and modesty. This same post also appeals to logos. The location tagged is the “Manning Passing Academy” and the photo is with Peyton himself. Anyone receiving coaching from such a star would expectedly be a very promising player. He reinforces his athletic talent with game photos that show him running, passing, holding trophies, celebrating and playing with impressive form and rippling muscles. He lets these pictures do the talking, never adding any boastful or conceited captions. For one picture he even admits, “it wasn’t the prettiest but we’ll take a win any day”. Other times he will simply state the season record (“5-0”, “6-0”) as the caption. Another understated caption pairs with a picture of his recent acceptance letter to the University of Washington Foster School of Business. He writes, “got accepted”. Jake uses these more concrete examples of success to prove his athletic and academic chops, but a heart full of love for family friends also comes through his page. It was this pathos that enticed me to follow him. His page allows any faraway fan to see his sweet, more personal side. Among other family members, he often shares the spotlight with his adorable 5-year-old sister. The picture of her in her ballet outfit captioned with “good luck to this princess as she takes on ballet class” absolutely melts my heart. Similarly, his photos with and complimentary captions for his friends make him appear very grounded. Pictures with his buddies hanging out or in goofy poses serve as a reminder the Pac-12 Player of the Year is also a funny college student. His most recent picture of him and two friends says it best: “just guys being doods”. As we scroll aimlessly through our feeds, we don’t often stop to realize the purpose behind a picture. Taking time to review Jake’s page as whole has led me to believe he is a great guy that anybody would be lucky to have as a friend, any little girl would be lucky to have as a big brother and any coach would be lucky to have on their team.
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April 2018
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