Accepting the challenges of social media research. Issue 3 (8th June 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Weller, Katrin
• Is Part Of: Online information review. Volume 39:Issue 3(2015)
• Page Start: 281
• Page End: 289
• Publication Date: 2015-06-08
• Subjects: Research methods -- Big Data -- Social media research -- Research ethics -- Data access; 025.04
• DOI: 10.1108/OIR-03-2015-0069
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1468-4527

Abstract

Abstract : Purpose: – The purpose of this paper is to introduce a new viewpoint series, Monitoring the Media: Spotlight on Social Media Research, by providing an overview of the key challenges in social media research and some current initiatives in addressing them. Design/methodology/approach: – The paper considers publication output from disciplines dealing with social media studies and summarises the key challenges as discussed in the broader research community. Findings: – The paper suggests that challenges originate both from the interdisciplinary nature of social media research and from the ever-changing research landscape. It concludes that, whilst the community is addressing some challenges, others require more attention. Originality/value: – The paper summarises key challenges of social media and will be of interest to researchers in different disciplines, as well as a general audience, wanting to learn about how social media data are used for research.