In recent years, it has become increasingly common to see social media users change their profile pictures to plain black images. This trend appears to have started on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and others. But what exactly does a black profile picture mean or represent?
Supporting the Black Lives Matter movement
One of the most well-known reasons for switching to a black profile photo is to show support for racial equality and the Black Lives Matter movement. This gained particular momentum in mid-2020 after the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and other Black individuals at the hands of police. Black became a symbolic color of anti-racism protest and solidarity.
Setting a black profile picture is a way for social media users to signify that they stand in solidarity with Black people against systemic racism and violence. It represents mourning for victims of racism as well as commitment to racial justice. Some describe it as a visible demonstration of “going dark” or “logging off” from regular social media content in order to bring attention to these important issues.
Mourning or paying tribute
Another common reason for black profile pictures is to signify a period of mourning or to pay tribute to someone who has died. For example, people often update their profile photos to black when a prominent public figure passes away as a small gesture of acknowledging the loss.
This practice became especially prominent after the unexpected deaths of pop superstars Michael Jackson and David Bowie, when many fans changed their profiles to black in commemoration. More recently, black profile photos were used to pay tribute to celebrities like Chadwick Boseman and Kobe Bryant after their untimely deaths.
The color black, of course, has long been associated with mourning, loss, and remembrance. So for many social media users, switching to a black photo feels like a fitting visual representation of grief when someone impactful dies – an easy way to pay respects online.
Protesting or creating awareness
Social media users sometimes change their profile images to plain black photos as a form of protest or to demonstrate awareness about a particular issue or event. This can be seen as a variation on the practice of using black images to support Black Lives Matter specifically.
For example, in 2015, many Lebanese Facebook users changed their profile pictures to black in order to bring attention to the country’s ongoing trash crisis. The blackout was meant to signal frustration about government corruption and the poor handling of the garbage issue.
Similar blackout campaigns have also occurred around issues like gender-based violence, climate change, and refugee rights. Setting a black profile photo allows individuals to make a statement and show solidarity around social or political issues they care about in a simple yet powerful visual way.
Feelings associated with black
Color psychology suggests that the color black can represent feelings like grief, sadness, fear, and anger. Black is often culturally associated with solemnity and heaviness because of its use during times of mourning and loss across cultures.
With this context, some individuals may change their profile image to a black photo during times when they are dealing with difficult personal emotions and do not feel like putting up their usual photo. It can signify depression, grief over losing a loved one, or any solemn feeling a person may want to convey without words.
Aesthetic preference
For some social media users, the decision to switch to a black profile picture is simply one of aesthetics or personal preference. Black and white visuals are generally considered classic and stylish. A black background can also help profile photos pop by framing the face and drawing focus.
Younger generations in particular seem to view minimalist black and white photos as visually pleasing for social media. And the practice has become so common that switching to a black profile is almost trendy on certain platforms. So in many cases, the change may be inspired by nothing more than individual style.
Privacy, anonymity, and security
Using a plain black image for a profile can allow users to easily retain some privacy and anonymity on social platforms. For those who want to avoid using a recognizable personal photo but still want to participate, a black background picture serves as a simple placeholder.
Journalists and activists operating in dangerous circumstances may utilize plain black profile images for increased security if they are reporting on sensitive topics. The black image hides their identity and personal details more effectively than a photo of their face would.
Hacking or memorialization
In some unfortunate cases, a social media profile may switch suddenly to a black picture because the account has been hacked or memorialized. Platforms like Facebook have procedures for memorializing accounts of deceased users by changing the profile photo to black.
Hackers who gain unauthorized access to an account sometimes change the photo to plain black as well. So if friends or followers notice someone’s photo suddenly change to a black silhouette, it may be a sign that something is amiss with the account.
Signs of potential mental health struggles
Some mental health experts have pointed out that abruptly changing to a black profile photo may be an indicator that someone is struggling emotionally or psychologically. Because black is associated with heaviness and solemnity, this visual change could suggest the person is dealing with depression, anxiety, grief, or similar issues.
Therapists advise looking holistically for other signs of withdrawal as well – such as quitting social media, struggling at school or work, mood changes, etc. A black profile photo alone does not necessarily mean someone is unwell, but it could be one visual clue to take note of in assessing a loved one’s wellbeing.
Conclusion
There are clearly many potential reasons why an individual might update their social media profile image to a plain black background. While in some cases it is simply due to personal preference, more often there is a deeper meaning or motivation behind the decision.
Online platforms give us the ability to make visual statements and show solidarity through simple acts like changing a profile photo color. When social media users notice friends or public figures turn their images black, it is a good idea to consider the range of possible meanings behind that action.