The usefulness of social networks as research tools for the media

Abstract

The advent of social networks and the Web 2.0 has led to a revolution for journalists and researchers. However, its recent emergence implies a lack in methodologies, theories and analysis for supporting their work and avoiding ambiguity in results. The research explores the main methodologies-qualitative and quantitative-in the analysis of social networks within the information and communication field. For this purpose, it was collected a sample of academic papers published in the last five years on the analysis of the two most popular networks (Twitter and Facebook). The aim is to study the tools used in those studies, in order to assess and interpret the data provided by these digital networks. The modus operandi and trends of research on social networks is analysed to verify their degree of usefulness as research tools that report scientifically valuable conclusions.