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Research Group Computational Communication Science publishes in New Media & Society

Computational scoping review on user comment research
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User comments are the most popular form of audience participation in various online media - and constitute a timely and relevant field of research.User comments are explored in studies from the perspective of different disciplines (e.g., communication studies, psychology, political science) with different thematic focuses (e.g., democratic norms, extremist behavior, product perceptions). The widespread study of user comments across disciplines has resulted in a multiplicity of terms and constructs, and thus a lack of clarity about the topics discussed. With this computational review work, we uncovered six relevant, overarching themes and their evolution in the field. By combining computational text analysis and qualitative evaluation, we were able to describe the current state of research and found an inherently interdisciplinary body of literature. We observed inter- and intra-disciplinary fragmentation and suggest greater systematization of the terms used, constructs, and topics studied.

 

Schindler, M., & Domahidi, E. (2021). The growing field of interdisciplinary research on user comments: A computational scoping review. New Media & Society. https://doi.org/10.1177/1461444821994491

   

Computational Communication Science Group

The Computational Communication Science Group is dedicated to the analysis of digital media content and communication processes as well as the associated changes for individuals and society.

The research group operates at the combination between communication science and computer science, following a strong interdisciplinary approach. The main research interest lies in the fields of (Cognitive) Biases in Digital Media and Social Consequences of Online Media Use.

In addition to traditional methods of communication science, computational methods will be applied, improved, and evaluated.

Research

The Computational Communication Science Group primarily investigates the usage of digital media and its effects on individuals and society. In addition to classical communication science methods, the group focuses on the application and evaluation of computational approaches in communication studies.

Cognitive and Algorithmic Biases in Digital Media

Social Consequences of Online Media Use

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TU Ilmenau / Michael Reichel (ari)

Teaching

We offer students a sound education in communication science with close reference to how computational methods can open up insights into topics in communication and social science. This includes theoretical and practical work on methodological and algorithmic challenges that arise in the analysis of digital data and e.g., social media. In doing so, we emphasize high-quality, internationally oriented teaching, including English-language courses and degree programs.

Publications

Wilms, L., Gerl, K., Stoll, A., & Ziegele, M.(2024).Technology acceptance and transparency demands for toxic language classification – interviews with moderators of public online discussion fora.Human–Computer Interaction.https://doi.org/10.1080/07370024.2024.2307610

Andrich, A., Weidner, F., & Broll, W. (2023). Zeitgebers, Time Judgments, and VR: A Constructive Replication Study. 2023 IEEE International Symposium on Mixed and Augmented Reality Adjunct (ISMAR-Adjunct) (pp. 1-2). IEEE. https://doi.org/10.1109/ISMAR-Adjunct60411.2023.00007

Haim, M., Hase, V., Schindler, J., Bachl, M., & Domahidi, E. (2023). Editorial to the Special Issue:(Re) Establishing quality criteria for content analysis: A critical perspective on the field’s core method. SCM Studies in Communication and Media, 12(4), 277-288. https://doi.org/10.5771/2192-4007-2023-4-277

Binder, A., Matthes, J., Domahidi, E., & Bachl, M. (2023). Moving from Offline to Online: How COVID-19 Affected Research in the Social and Behavioral Sciences. American Behavioral Scientist, 0(0). https://doi.org/10.1177/00027642231205761

Jost, P., Heft, A., Buehling, K., Zehring, M., Schulze, H., Bitzmann, H., & Domahidi, E. (2023). Mapping a Dark Space: Challenges in Sampling and Classifying Non- Institutionalized Actors on Telegram. Medien & Kommunikationswissenschaft, 71(3–4), 212–229. https://doi.org/10.5771/1615-634X-2023-3-4-212

 
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