Quantified Self - A modern day phenomenon of self-reflection and oversharing as manifested through life-logging

This thesis focuses on the analysis of the growing popularity of infographics as a medium of data visualisation and their impact on the shift from word to image in contemporary life. It investigates the historical background of data visualisation in order to understand where the contemporary popular trend stems from. It defines the phenomenona of life-logging and data-logging and looks at potential reasons as to the popularity of both. The thesis interrogates the phenomenon of users oversharing personal information on social media, the notion of online personas and the creation of self within the realm of the Internet and online surveillance. It analyses the work of Nicholas Felton, an information designer and life-logger with a cult following. Finally, as a case study, there is a section dedicated to the work of David McCandless, who is one of the more renowned infographics designers and Sarah Illenberger, a German graphic designer.