Innovative Research Methods In Contemporary Digital Societies

This session focuses on hands-on research methods in digital sociology and seeks contributions that advance the methodological toolkit available for studying contemporary digital societies. As social interactions, institutions, and cultural practices increasingly unfold through digital technologies, sociologists face new challenges and opportunities in capturing and interpreting social reality. We welcome submissions that present innovative methodological approaches, refine existing methods, or critically reflect on their strengths and limitations in digital contexts. Both quantitative and qualitative approaches are encouraged, including mixed methods designs, computational techniques, digital ethnography, network analysis, platform studies, and other emerging methodologies. Contributions may be grounded in empirical case studies that demonstrate how a particular method is implemented and applied in practice; however, the primary focus should remain on the methodological contribution itself, its application, and its potential to enhance sociological research in the digital age. Through the exchange of practical experiences and methodological innovations, this session aims to strengthen the capacity of digital sociology to better understand and explain contemporary social phenomena.