What are the current trends and innovations in online communication research methods and tools?

An additional aspect of mixed methods is the use of mixed media in multiple different references. Nowadays with the prevalence of the internet in all of its numerous shapes and forms (websites, social media, interactive tools, audiovisual forms, podcasts... etc) there is a profusion of sources that can be cited and referenced. For me personally, sometimes I learn much more from an animated video with the right graphics, where stats and facts are weaved in seamlessly, than I would from a similar book on the same topic.

One area where generative AI could be particularly useful in the analysis of online conversations. Natural language processing (NLP) and machine learning can be used to analyze online conversations and identify factors such as sentiment, tone, and topics. Brand managers can gain insight into how online conversations relate to outcomes such as engagement, persuasion, or conflict. One potential application of generative AI in this context is the creation of a tool that uses NLP and machine learning to analyze online conversations in real-time. This tool could be used by social media managers, marketers, and other professionals to monitor and analyze conversations across various platforms, such as Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

There are so many fabulous online collaboration tools, and can be as simple as a shared whiteboard. Highly recommended for staff teams, membership organisations or umbrella companies to share helpful research documents, links and ideas all in one place!

Some innovative tools rely on external factors and can only be effective and representative by mobilizing as many people as possible. The more people who engage, the more accurate, representative, and reliable those tools are. But how do we engage large numbers of virtual strangers? You need to incentivize your audiences to participate. Some of these survey tools help provide participants with gift cards, points, or money in return. There are full-time survey agencies who send out such surveys on your behalf to their online volunteer community, and in return provide them with points that feed their profile through a "merit-based system", where they can eventually exchange those points for different types of products or services.

In my personal experience, I reached out in the past, during my studies and at work similarly, to my network of colleagues, friends, friends of friends, and acquaintances, to help provide me with the input that I need through those tools, without necessarily relying on a merit system, but rather asking people for a favour. Sometimes it is okay to do that, and you will be surprised at how many people might want to help you!