Nov 5, 2012

The idea that we can use social media chatter to predict the future is not a new one. The sheer size of networks like Facebook and Twitter mean that if nothing else, social media can provide researchers with limited funding a large sampling of data that can be sorted and organized quickly with algorithms. Everything from trends in the stock market to future...

Aug 21, 2012

Have you ever wondered why social media users hold such strong opinions? This year’s Presidential election has warmed the American political landscape, almost to a boiling point. Citizens are letting their beliefs dictate their actions, turning everyone who has an opinion to become a messenger to those who lack a strong opinion.   I work with two of the...

Jul 25, 2012

You cannot log in to Facebook without being exposed to some form of idealogical discourse these days. With the upcoming election on the horizon and worsening economy, political tensions are on the rise. Social media has brought issues like abortion and LGBT rights to the forefront, leading users to cry foul when large public companies take a polarizing stand in...

Mar 5, 2012

As expansive as the use of social media is in 2012, especially for middle income Americans, it would be naïve to think that Facebook and other social media platforms will not play a large role in the Presidential election this year.   Barack Obama has been called the first digital President, and whoever his opponent is in November will not overlook the...