DCN Call for papers: Digital Challenges in the Time of COVID-19 Crisis
The Digital Communication Network is launching a call for research papers analyzing “Digital Challenges in the Time of the COVID-19 Crisis.DCN is seeking a variety of different angles, from the micro level of individuals stockpiling toilet paper and sharing it online, resulting in a social media panic, to the macro level of countries postponing national elections.
The Challenge
COVID-19 Crisis (also known as coronavirus) caused a drastic change in many spheres especially in the digital world. Before this crisis, the globe was already exceedingly digital, as people all over the world use digital tools daily, whether they are enjoying the advantages of e-governance or communicating on multiple social media platforms.
It’s time — now more than ever — that all these digital tools, their availability, their reach and use, and their popularity be measured and researched.
The research goals
To see how the COVID-19 crisis is impacting the process of digital transformation in Central and Eastern Europe, and the Caucasus
Methods
Online questionnaires, interviews, and case studies
Scope
DCN Region — Central and Eastern Europe, and the Caucasus
Deliverables*
- Reports (4–10 pages for each report)
- Minimum of 2 visuals per each report (infographics, video graphics, slides)
*DCN will grant 100–250 USD per study, depending on its complexity.
**All the reports will be published on DCN’s blog and social media accounts.
The call
You can contribute to the call for research papers by choosing one of the following topics or suggesting your own topic:
1.How to adjust your organization to the new reality
Case study showing how different organizations (media, business, online education, non-governmental organizations, or international organizations) adjusted to the new situation caused by the global Coronavirus crisis
2. Mapping webinars and other resources on digitalization and work process in the time of Coronavirus crisis
The aim of this research topic is to visually map webinars and other digitalization resources, as following the COVID-19 outbreak and quarantine introduction in many countries, many platforms have begun providing such resources.
3. The role of digital influencers in the time of the Coronavirus crisis
A study which aims to:
a) identify three to five digital influencers from different countries that have covered the Coronavirus crisis
b) analyze the narrative and the performance of these influencers, both in qualitative and quantitative measures
c) Compare the impact of influencers and websites that are debunking myths or spreading disinformation
4. Coronavirus crisis disinformation on digital platforms
A report which aims to identify:
a) Sources of disinformation in each country and how this misinformation spreads
b) The link between sources of disinformation and patterns of distribution
c) The presence of Chinese or Russian disinformation
5. How is an authority established online in the age of Coronavirus?
Research about the most influential people on social media aiming to determine who to trust, whose words to rely on, etc.
6. Truth and the “fog of war”
Case studies on news and speculation about the “fog of war”, in order to figure out what is and isn’t true or even whom can and cannot be trusted
7. How to work remotely when anxiety, panic, and fear run high
A guide on how a kind and respectful remote work atmosphere can be created
8. Impact of the Coronavirus crisis on election campaigns
Research that aims to:
a) Analyze politicians’ behavior in these circumstances, how they adapt their campaigns to a new reality and become more active (or not) on social media platforms, and start using (or not) innovative online tools
b) Describe the success of e-governance tools in states where democratic processes are challenged and in which of them e-voting is possible
9. Coronavirus crisis and challenges to personal relationships
A study about personal relationships based on the following aspects:
a) Due to the measures taken by different states which closed borders and banned the return of non-citizens during the quarantine time, many couples and families became divided between countries or even continents. How do they communicate now? Which online tools do they use?
b) On the other hand, those couples who found themselves stuck in one home encountered communication and even domestic violence problems, some of them resulting in divorces. Did it become more difficult for the victims to inform their friends and authorities about the violence now? Are there any online tools or apps to facilitate the communication process for victims with the police or relevant counselors?
c) Another important aspect of the Coronavirus crisis is the effectiveness of online-dating apps which cannot transform to offline formats at this time when most entertainment places are closed. Will these circumstances create online alternatives for the participants of online dating to still pursue relationships during this time?
Be part of our Research Unit: send us an email at digicomnet2016@gmail.com, write your team’s names, your organization name, and the topic you choose to research! Deadline: April 10, 2020. DCN Research Unit Team will send you all the details.
