Messy Methods: Queer Methodological Approaches to Researching Social Media
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
6-1-2016
Journal / Book Title
Computers and Composition
Abstract
This article sketches out a queer methodological approach for ethically researching social media websites such as Facebook. Detailing my experiences researching marriage equality on Facebook, I argue that queer theory can help researchers negotiate the public/private continuum that figures so heavily into digital research. During my study, I turned to queer theory to help me with ethical quandaries regarding my relationship with participants, recruitment, and data collection. I detail how, on the one hand, I identified as queer to potential participants, in an effort at being up-front with them; on the other hand, I grew uneasy that some of my Facebook friends would be confused by the fact that I was joining homophobic Facebook groups for the purpose of my research, and I opened up an additional Facebook account as a result. Ultimately, I argue that a queer methodology enables an understanding of how the public/private continuum influences multiple parts of the research process; complicates accepted methodological practices in productive ways; provides a productive lens for exploring social media as a research method.
DOI
10.1016/j.compcom.2016.03.007
Journal ISSN / Book ISBN
84962429252 (Scopus)
MSU Digital Commons Citation
Dadas, Caroline, "Messy Methods: Queer Methodological Approaches to Researching Social Media" (2016). Department of Writing Studies Faculty Scholarship and Creative Works. 4.
https://digitalcommons.montclair.edu/writingstudies-facpubs/4