Repurposing social media for social research? Questions after the fake news debacle

Date:

22/03/2018

Organised by:

NCRM, University of Southampton

Presenter:

Professor Richard Rogers, Dr Sarah Lewthwaite and Dr Warren Pearce

Level:

Entry (no or almost no prior knowledge)

Contact:

Penny White, Research Co-ordinator
National Centre for Research Methods
Tel: 02380 594539
Email: p.c.white@southampton.ac.uk

Map:

View in Google Maps  (SO17 1BJ)

Venue:

University of Southampton, Building 53, Room 4025, Level 4, Highfield, Southampton

Description:

A symposium on the future of research with social media
Thursday 22nd March 2018, 10.00 –11.30am
University of Southampton, Building 53, Room 4025, Level 4
Presenters and discussants:
Prof Richard Rogers (Digital Methods Initiative, University of Amsterdam) Dr Sarah Lewthwaite (National Centre for Research Methods, University of Southampton)
Dr Warren Pearce (iHuman, Department of Sociological Studies, University of Sheffield)
Abstract:
Social media data as source for empirical studies have recently come under renewed scrutiny, given the widespread deletion of Russian disinformation pages by Facebook as well as the suspension of Alt Right accounts by Twitter. Missing data is one issue, compounded by the fact that the ‘archives’ (CrowdTanglefor Facebook and Gnipfor Twitter) are also owned by the companies. Previously questions revolved around the extent to which corporate data collected for one purpose (e.g., advertising) could be employed by social science for another (e.g., political engagement). Social media data also could be said to be far from ‘good data’, since the platforms not only change and introduce new data fields (‘reactions’ on Facebook), but also increasingly narrow what’s available to researchers for privacy reasons. Interpretive questions about how to engage meaning, context and the visibility of intention (e.g. in blocking, muting, lurking activity) also remain fraught. How to approach social media data these days?
The symposium is an opportunity to debate the future of research with social media.
The seminar is free of charge. Booking is not required.
 

Cost:

This event is free to attend

Website and registration:

Region:

South West

Keywords:

Online Data Collection , Social media data, Missing Data

Related publications and presentations:

Online Data Collection
Social media data

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