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Using semiotics to analyze representational complexity in social media

Author

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  • Christine Abdalla Mikhaeil

    (DRM - Dauphine Recherches en Management - Université Paris Dauphine-PSL - PSL - Université Paris Sciences et Lettres - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, LEM - Lille économie management - UMR 9221 - UA - Université d'Artois - UCL - Université catholique de Lille - Université de Lille - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique)

  • Richard Baskerville

    (Georgia State University - USG - University System of Georgia)

Abstract

Data from social media offer us multimedia data brimming with multiple layers of meanings. Social media enable rapid-fire digital communications. These communications are incredibly complex in content, form and meaning. This representational complexity is a stumbling block in data analysis that stands in the way of deeper explanations. These unstructured data, rich in social meanings, are as complex as the phenomena they represent. While it is possible to formulate an entire research methodology around semiotics, it is not always necessary. We can adapt semiotic analysis within existing methodologies. This paper offers and illustrates an analytical technique to address representational complexity that can be used in conjunction with other methodologies such as case study, ethnography, etc. This analytical technique espouses a critical realist philosophy to develop much needed, deeper explanations from qualitative data.

Suggested Citation

  • Christine Abdalla Mikhaeil & Richard Baskerville, 2019. "Using semiotics to analyze representational complexity in social media," Post-Print hal-02509212, HAL.
    • Handle: RePEc:hal:journl:hal-02509212
    DOI: 10.1016/j.infoandorg.2019.100271
    Note: View the original document on HAL open archive server: https://hal.science/hal-02509212v1
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    3. Maryam Shahbazi & Deborah Bunker & Tania C. Sorrell, 2023. "Communicating shared situational awareness in times of chaos: Social media and the COVID‐19 pandemic," Journal of the Association for Information Science & Technology, Association for Information Science & Technology, vol. 74(10), pages 1185-1202, October.

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