UROP Project

Media Analysis of Twitter’s 2017 Hateful Conduct Policy

Twitter, cyberhate, qualitative research, content analysis
Akuo.jpg
Research Mentor: Mr. Andrew Kuo, He/him
Department, College, Affiliation: Criminology and Criminal Justice, Criminology and Criminal Justice
Contact Email: ak25b@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Looking for Research Assistants: Yes
Number of Research Assistants: 2
Relevant Majors: Criminal justice, sociology, psychology, media and communication, open to all majors
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required:
Remote or In-person: In-person
Approximate Weekly Hours: 10, Flexible schedule (Combination of business and outside of business. TBD between student and research mentor.)
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
  • Day: Monday, August 31
    Start Time: 3:00
    End Time: 3:30
    Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/j/9690061830
  • Day: Tuesday, September 1
    Start Time: 3:00
    End Time: 3:30
    Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/j/9690061830

Project Description

Early Twitter policies did not specifically ban harassment or hate speech, but instead focused on user spam and abuse. This omission stood until 2017, when Twitter added an explicit policy on hateful conduct. The current project seeks to understand the Twitter policy change of 2017 through media analysis, examining media coverage of hateful conduct on Twitter before and after the 2017 policy change. This research aims to answer (1) which major events related to hateful conduct on Twitter may have resulted in the 2017 policy change? And (2) did the 2017 policy change have an impact on hateful conduct on Twitter?

Research Tasks: Literature search, literature review, data collection, news article search, content analysis

Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Attention to detail, communication skills, follow instructions, time management, familiarity with Microsoft Office or Google products

Mentoring Philosophy

I think the core of a good mentor-mentee relationship is established through mutual understanding, so I will do my best to explain my expectations and goals for the project, assign clear and precise tasks, and set realistic timelines for deadlines. Moreover, I will establish a healthy and open channel of communication, where students feel comfortable discussing issues and questions so we can address them swiftly. When unexpected things happen and tasks cannot be completed in time, we will discuss in a timely manner and adjust accordingly. Even if this project does not align exactly with your interests, through this work you will gain valuable research skills and experience. For the eventual poster presentation, students will be in the driver’s seat, but I will provide ample support, recommendations, and suggestions for preparing and presenting the poster.

Additional Information


Link to Publications