Researching within online communities

Abstract

This chapter examines how a flexible approach to researching within online social communities may provide for a connected and creative research journey. Social media platforms are low cost and accessible tools that afford global networking potential and can engage wider audiences for research findings. Digital platforms annul temporal and geographical boundaries and allow for productive meanderings with readers. For sole researchers, research teams, or as forms of data collection, social media and other online platforms can be a useful digital research tool; however, they can require careful navigation. Be it within Facebook, Twitter, a niche online community, or a blog; the role of researcher and participant is dynamic, and quantitative and qualitative data provides direct feedback. Designing effective methodologies for digital community research requires an interdisciplinary approach that recognises ethical and practical considerations ranging from consent, privacy, moderation and potential incivility. This chapter will map, using a reflective case study, practical strategies for minimising risk and managing methodologies. Also discussed will be how ongoing reflection on online relationships can shape the research process and final work, how evolving digital communities can expand traditional academic forums, and some current trends in open-access publishing.