Social Media as Social Science Data

Social media has enabled ordinary people to engage in mass communication, and this book provides social scientists with the skills to analyze this data. It combines big data techniques from computer science with social science methodology to provide a framework for building one's own data collection and analysis infrastructure.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 198 pages
Publication date: 17 November 2022
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Social media has revolutionized the landscape of mass communication, granting ordinary individuals unprecedented power to disseminate information and engage with a global audience. This remarkable development has also provided social scientists with invaluable tools to listen to the diverse voices of everyday people across the world. In response, this book aims to equip social scientists with the necessary skills to harness the potential of social media and transform its vast stream of information into valuable social science data.

The book seamlessly blends the powerful techniques of computer science with social science methodology, creating a comprehensive guide for advanced undergraduates, graduate students, and researchers in the social sciences. It serves as a methodological roadmap for scholars seeking to leverage this new and rapidly evolving source of data.

The book offers a comprehensive framework for building one's own data collection and analysis infrastructure. It provides a toolkit encompassing content analysis, geographic analysis, and network analysis, enabling scholars to delve into the rich insights hidden within social media data. Additionally, the book includes thoughtful meditations on the ethical implications of social media data, emphasizing the importance of responsible and ethical research practices.

By empowering social scientists with the knowledge and tools to harness the power of social media, this book opens up a world of possibilities for understanding and analyzing society in unprecedented ways. It serves as a valuable resource for scholars and researchers alike, paving the way for new discoveries and insights into the complex dynamics of our modern world.

ISBN-13: 9781108733779