The app for independent voices
Just this morning I gave a Qualitative Research Connect webinar about digital ethnography, then saw a post about a digital ethnography by Azadeh Shams, a friend I made while in residence at the Center for Advanced Internet Studies. Azadeh’s paper is available open-access, and it is worth reading.
Shams, A. (2025). Why do I feel guilty? Navigating ethnography research on digital feminist activism. MedienJournal,, 49(3), 84-105. doi.org/10.60764/1025-9…
Her research put into practice many points I shared in the webinar. (Recording available soon.) Her study explored online expression of very real issues experienced by women in Iran: "weaving their personal and life experiences into digital narratives." This hybrid online/offline research approach offers the chance to gain a rich understanding of the real-world context for events discussed in online posts.
She discussed the importance of being reflexive about the messy dynamics of holding both insider and outsider positions.
Besides terrific work methodologically, the study and stories are interesting and quite relevant today. Brava for courageous research!
I've added her paper to the list of open access articles I shared with webinar attendees:
