Recommended Citation
Foote, J. (2022). A Systems Approach to Studying Online Communities. Media and Communication, 10(2), 29-40. doi:https://doi.org/10.17645/mac.v10i2.5042
DOI
10.17645/mac.v10i2.5042
Date of this Version
4-29-2022
Keywords
Digital trace data, online communities, organizational communication, systems theory
Abstract
Much early communication research was inspired by systems theory. This approach emphasizes that individuals and groups use communication to interact with and respond to their larger environment and attempts to outline the ways that dif‐ ferent levels interact with each other (e.g., work groups within departments within firms). Many concepts from systems theory—such as emergence and feedback loops—have become integral parts of communication theories. However, until recently, quantitative researchers have struggled to apply a systems approach. Large‐scale, multilevel trace data from online platforms combined with computational advances are enabling a turn back toward systems‐inspired research. I out‐ line four systems‐based approaches that recent research uses to study online communities: community comparisons, indi‐ vidual trajectories, cross‐level mechanisms, and simulating emergent behavior. I end with a discussion of the opportunities and challenges of systems‐based research for quantitative communication scholars.
Comments
This is the publisher's version of Foote, J. (2022). A Systems Approach to Studying Online Communities. Media and Communication, 10(2), 29-40. doi:https://doi.org/10.17645/mac.v10i2.5042