Notice: Cornell survey to study community norms and participation in r/science
Researchers from Cornell University are embarking on a groundbreaking study to examine the intricacies of community norms and participation on the popular online forum, r/science. In collaboration with the online community, the researchers aim to gain a deeper understanding of the dynamics that drive user engagement and interaction. To achieve this, they are conducting a comprehensive survey, which will be distributed to a random sample of users who have interacted with the community over the past six months.
The survey, which takes approximately 15 minutes to complete, will delve into various aspects of user participation, including motivations for engaging with the community, perceptions of community norms, and experiences with algorithmically generated content and recommender systems. Additionally, participants will be asked to provide demographic information, which will help researchers to better understand the diversity and composition of the community. Importantly, the survey is designed to ensure the anonymity of participants, with no request for personal identifiable information and a guarantee that usernames cannot be linked to survey responses.
The research team, led by Dr. Sarah Gilbert, will utilize the data collected from the survey to shed light on the complex relationships between community norms, technology, and participation. By exploring these dynamics, the study aims to contribute to a broader understanding of online communities and the factors that influence user engagement. The findings of this research have the potential to inform the development of more effective strategies for fostering positive and inclusive online communities, which are essential for promoting meaningful discussions and collaborations.
Users who have participated in r/science over the past six months may receive a chat message from the research team’s bot, u/civilservantbot, inviting them to participate in the survey. Those who are interested in contributing to the study can choose to ignore the initial message and wait for a follow-up reminder, which will be sent on June 2nd. Alternatively, users who are eager to participate can reach out to Dr. Gilbert directly via Reddit’s direct messaging system or email. For those who do not receive an invitation but are still interested in participating, Dr. Gilbert will post a public link to the survey on Reddit in the coming days.
The partnership between Cornell University and the r/science community represents a significant opportunity for collaborative research and knowledge-sharing. By engaging with the online community and leveraging the power of social science research, the study has the potential to drive positive change and improve our understanding of the complex dynamics that govern online interactions. As the survey gets underway, researchers and community members alike are eagerly awaiting the insights and findings that will emerge from this innovative study.
