The value of social media data: Integrating crowd capabilities in evidence-based policy

Panagiotopoulos, Panos ORCID: 0000-0001-5408-4842, Bowen, Frances and Brooker, Phillip ORCID: 0000-0003-1189-4647 (2017) The value of social media data: Integrating crowd capabilities in evidence-based policy. Government Information Quarterly, 34 (4). pp. 601-612.

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Official URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.giq.2017.10.009

Abstract

Social media have been widely embraced by governments for information dissemination and engagement but less is known about their value as information sources. Crowdsourced content from social media can improve inclusivity in policy development but it is not always clear how it can form part of policy evidence. The paper builds on the conceptual framework of crowd capabilities to examine the value of social media data in evidence-based policy. Acquisition and assimilation – the two elements of crowd capabilities – drive our exploratory case analysis in the context of agricultural policies in the UK. The study combined qualitative data from interviews and workshops with an analysis of networks of farmers on Twitter. Policy makers were broadly positive about the immediacy, cost-effectiveness and diversity of useful input that can be sourced from online sources. Limitations were identified in terms of representation and inclusion of participants in large datasets that are sourced from open platforms. We compare social media data to traditional sources of evidence and further reflect on the new capabilities that can support the needs of policy makers in this endeavor.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Behavioral and Social Science, 4 Quality Education
Depositing User:	Symplectic Admin
Date Deposited:	14 Nov 2017 15:00
Last Modified:	15 Mar 2024 13:56
DOI:	10.1016/j.giq.2017.10.009
Related URLs:	Publisher
URI:	https://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/id/eprint/3012166