Social Engines and Social Science: A Revolution in the Making

Abstract

Scholars are starting to use tools such as Google Trends much more frequently in their work. Yet, a central ‘search-engine’ field of inquiry has yet to emerge. Rather, academics using search-engine data to address social issues are spread across many disciplines, which makes search valuable across fields but not critical to any one particular area in social science. In an effort to promote a comprehensive debate on these issues, this paper provides a review of pioneering work that included data generated through search engine accessory applications, making the point that the greater value of search-engine research lies in using such tools for broader inquiry rather than examining search engines themselves as the central object of research. The challenges and opportunities involved in this methodological transition are addressed, with a view to benefiting both social researchers and technology developers. This paper was written as a reflection and further research on the nature of search in social, political and economic aspects of society that was part of a series of meetings between British academics and Google UK. This project was funded by a Knowledge Exchange Grant from the UK Economic and Social Research Council.