WeTheSocialMedia uses AI methods and natural language processing (NLP) to study how social movements utilize social networks, while also developing software to enable comprehensive and long-term analysis of this usage. The project enhances competences in data analysis, visualization, ethical data usage, and interdisciplinary research.
Social media has become a cornerstone of modern social movements, enabling rapid coordination and extensive outreach. However, these platforms also pose significant challenges, often amplifying misinformation, hate speech, and polarization. Activists relying on proprietary systems face risks such as “movement tracing”.
The project We The (Social) Media addresses these issues by promoting transparency, reliability, and autonomy in the use of social media. It bridges knowledge gaps by combining social science expertise on activism with computer science know-how in software development. In collaboration with environmental and feminist movements, it investigates how activists currently use social media, what improvements they seek, and how platforms can better meet their needs.
Using a participatory design approach, the project aims to develop an innovative platform or enhance existing tools. Mobile sensor technologies will be integrated to facilitate comprehensive, long-term studies of how activists engage with social media. All outputs – including datasets, software, and user guides – will be made available as open-access resources, ensuring the project’s sustainability.
By advancing interdisciplinary collaboration and data literacy, We The (Social) Media sets a benchmark for inclusive and impactful research on social movements and social media in the digital age.
Team Members
Ifib (Lead): Prof. Dr. Andreas Breiter; Anna Ricarda Luther
University of Bremen: Prof. Dr. Stephanie Geise (ZeMKI); Prof. Dr. Sebastian Haunss (SOCIUM)
Center for Advanced Internet Studies (CAIS): Prof. Dr. Hendrik Heuer
