The Study I Have Selected Is The Use Of Social Media To En

The study I have selected is “ The use of social media to engage with social movements and significant events

In the realm of social science research, understanding the complexities of human interactions with social media platforms, especially during pivotal social movements and significant global events, has garnered significant interest. The selected study, titled “The use of social media to engage with social movements and significant events,” conducted by researchers Anna Janssen, Melanie Keep, and Krestina Amon from the University of Sydney, offers valuable insights into this area. This research explores how individuals engage with social movements such as Black Lives Matter and respond to major events like the COVID-19 pandemic through social media platforms, primarily Instagram.

The study employed an ethical protocol incorporating an informed consent process. Participants were informed about the voluntary nature of their involvement and their right to withdraw at any point, without facing any consequences. The consent process was comprehensive, emphasizing the participant's age confirmation—affirming they were over 18—and securing their agreement to partake in the research. Such a process aligns with ethical standards for social research, ensuring participants' autonomy and understanding of their involvement.

As a participant in this study, I was required to complete an anonymous online survey. The survey commenced with demographic questions, asking for my age, sex, and geographic location. Subsequently, it delved into my social media habits, especially my use of Instagram—covering the platforms’ functions I utilize and how my usage evolved during significant periods, such as during Black Lives Matter protests and the COVID-19 pandemic. The survey aimed to gather nuanced data on how external socio-political events influence social media engagement, specifically examining the association of these events with changes in user behavior. The focus was on understanding the relationship between social media use and engagement with social and global issues, without manipulating or controlling variables directly.

This study is characterized as correlational rather than experimental. It investigates the relationships or associations between variables—such as social media engagement levels and external social phenomena—without actively manipulating any factors during the research process. The main variables measured included how individuals use Instagram to engage with social movements and significant events. Predictor variables encompassed factors influencing their engagement, like exposure to certain content, perceptions of social movements, or personal attitudes towards these events. The criterion variables focused on actual engagement levels, such as participation in discussions, sharing content, or supporting causes via Instagram.

Since the study was correlational, measures to control extraneous variables were minimal or absent. No specific procedures were undertaken to isolate variables or account for external influences—making the findings more reflective of natural, uncontrolled behaviors. This approach influences the study's validity: while it possesses external validity because it captures real-world social media interactions, its internal validity is limited due to potential confounding factors and lack of experimental control.

To transition this research from a correlational to an experimental design, the researchers could introduce manipulations related to Instagram use concerning significant events. For instance, participants could be divided into two groups: an experimental group receiving targeted interventions such as prompts to increase engagement or exposure to specific content related to social movements or recent events, and a control group that continues their usual use of Instagram. Post-intervention, both groups would complete the same survey to assess differences in engagement levels, attitudes, or behaviors, enabling researchers to infer causality more robustly. Conversely, transforming an experimental study into a correlational design would involve observing existing behaviors without intervention, perhaps by analyzing users' engagement patterns post hoc without any manipulative elements.

The researchers opted for a correlational approach primarily because it allows the study of naturally occurring relationships between variables without ethical or practical issues associated with manipulation. It provides valuable insights into associations and patterns that could inform further experimental research. Such an approach is particularly appropriate when researchers aim to understand real-world phenomena, where intervention may be impractical or unethical, such as during sensitive social movements or crises.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study sheds light on the intricate relationship between social media use and engagement with significant social and global issues. While its correlational nature limits causal inferences, it offers crucial observational insights into how external events influence online behavior. Modifying the study into an experimental design could further establish causation, providing a more profound understanding of how targeted interventions affect social media engagement during times of social upheaval or global crises. Overall, such research emphasizes the importance of ethical considerations and methodological choices aligned with research questions in the dynamic field of social media studies.

References

• Janssen, A., Keep, M., & Amon, K. (Year). The use of social media to engage with social movements and significant events. The University of Sydney. URL or DOI if available.
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