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What would Wittgenstein say about social media?

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Paper Summary

Paperzilla title
Wittgenstein vs. Big Data: Are We Even Asking the Right Questions About Social Media?

The paper argues that mainstream social media analytics research often misinterprets social media data by applying pre-existing sociological theories rather than focusing on the everyday language practices of users. It suggests a Wittgensteinian approach focused on describing language-in-use as a more appropriate method for understanding social media interactions.

Explain Like I'm Five

Scientists found that to understand how people talk on social media, it's like listening to kids talk on the playground instead of just guessing what they're saying based on old stories. You just watch and see.

Possible Conflicts of Interest

None identified

Identified Limitations

Limited Accessibility Due to Philosophical Jargon
The paper's heavy reliance on Wittgenstein's philosophy, while offering a unique perspective, can make it less accessible to a broader audience unfamiliar with his work. This limits the potential impact and discussion of the ideas presented.
Lack of Concrete Alternative Methodologies
The paper primarily focuses on critiquing existing social media analytics research rather than offering concrete alternative methodologies. While highlighting the limitations of current approaches is valuable, it leaves a gap in practical guidance for researchers seeking alternative methods.
Limited Generalizability of Case Studies
The chosen case studies, while illustrative, may not represent the full spectrum of social media analytics research. This raises concerns about the generalizability of the critique to the wider field.

Rating Explanation

This paper provides a thought-provoking critique of existing social media analytics research through the lens of Wittgenstein's philosophy. While it highlights important ontological and epistemological issues, its heavy reliance on philosophical jargon and lack of concrete alternative methodologies limit its broader impact and practical applicability. It's an interesting read for those familiar with Wittgenstein but may not resonate as strongly with a wider audience.

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Topic Hierarchy

Domain: Social Sciences
Subfield: Philosophy

File Information

Original Title: What would Wittgenstein say about social media?
Uploaded: July 08, 2025 at 01:01 PM
Privacy: Public