Julianne R. Friesen

Altering the Body / Altering Communication: a Qualitative Research on the Effects of Body Modification on Social Interactions Julianne R. Friesen

From modified athletes to celebrities to tattoo-themed television shows, tattoos and piercings seem to be as popular as ever. But what effects are tattoos and piercings having on our communication with others? This research examines some of the effects of body modification on social interactions. By using the theory of communication accommodation and conducting interviews with modified individuals through the critical incident technique, this research strives to understand why people want to modify their bodies, the impacts their modifications have had on their life, and how social interactions with others have changed since modifying their bodies.