Me, Myself, and the GoPro
The GoPro Camera And Its Impact On Self-Representation Of Athletes In Extreme Sports

(Final thesis for MA “European Media Studies” at University of Potsdam, Germany)

GoPro cameras have long entered the mainstream, and videos created with such actions cameras can be found on most online video platforms. However, the GoPro-Phenomenon remains a field of study that is still largely under represented and undiscovered. The purpose of this thesis is divided into two parts. The first consists of a study of the points-of-view primarily used in GoPro videos; the second focuses on how the occurrence of action cameras has altered self-representation in extreme sports. The goal is to analyze how athletes make use of the unique perspectives enabled by GoPro cameras. A wide range of videos are analyzed, specifically in regard to the points-of-view used and the individual athlete’s interactions with the camera. A selection of these videos serves as the basis for a visual analysis and comparison. Furthermore, the relation of, and influence on media and sports is discussed as well as looking at reasons for athletes to enact themselves in front of a camera.