Scattered Images: scrapers and the representation of cancer on Instagram

Abstract

| The use of visual social networks like Instagram in health communications is well-documented, especiallywhenitcomestotheanalysisofspecificcontentstostudyimages. However, this methodology poses a challenge due to the growing difficulties in access and a very limited legal and action framework. Based on the assumptions of visual sociology, this article explores a methodology to obtain data from Instagram using scrapers, offering a revision of its technical and ethical implications. Through this method, we analyse the distribution of Instagram posts carrying the hashtag #SacaPecho (a Spanish expression thatrefers to standing up for or showing support to a cause), createdby the SpanishSociety AgainstCancer (AsociaciónEspañola Contra elCáncer)on the occasion oftheInternational Day Against Cancer (October 19, 2020). We obtain data from more than 7,000 images in a matter of minutes. Our work sheds light on the tools available for researchers to access data from Instagram and proposes a debate on the ethical possibilities to implement them.