Introduction: Turning to the visual in digital discourse studies

Abstract

main-tained. In this regard, Venema & Lobinger present a qualitative study of the way photos are used, both symbolically and as material objects, in couples ’ and friends ’ relationships. They take a cross-media approach which is grounded in the notions of ‘ polymedia ’ and repertoire-oriented media. A repertoire-oriented approach surfaces the role of visuals/visual interactions in the context of re-spondents ’ general communicative routines. Empirically speaking, they draw on 34 problem-focused, semi-structured single- and pair-interviews, applying qualitative thematic coding. Their findings confirm how pictures are essential resources for both couples and friends, but with differences in the way images are