Evolving debates in online communication: a graph analytical approach

Abstract

Purpose The aim of this paper is to analyse the structure of evolving debates in online discussion forums to see how science‐related debates evolve over time. Design/methodology/approach A graph‐based approach is applied to analyse the structure of graphs of connected terms in online debates. A number of different graph properties, such as the Densification Power Law (DPL), diameter ( γ ) and effective diameter ( δ ), are used to observe the properties of the graphs over time. Findings The graphs of connected terms obey the DPL and the effective diameters ( δ ) of the graphs tend to shrink as the debates progress. Slight fluctuations can occur, however, when new terms are integrated into the graphs. These two properties suggest that a graph of connected terms can be modelled through a number of blocks of terms, each of which becomes densely connected over time as indicated by δ and DPL plots. Originality/value This paper proposes observing the dynamic changes of evolving debates by using graphs of connected terms. The structures and properties of these graphs may be useful for understanding the evolution of public debates about controversial science‐related topics, such as embryonic stem cell research, and to track debates that can potentially explode into major issues.