Key methodological concerns of digital data

This chapter addresses the complex question of the reliability, validity and representativeness of digital data, which are three aspects that are considered central to the methodological debate, and the challenges they entail. These issues are discussed in light of the specific characteristics of digital data: the fact that they are unstable, constantly evolving and dynamic; their polysemy and fragmentary nature; concerns over authenticity, such as fake profiles and untruthful content; and differences in the levels and modes of user participation on digital platforms which affect their representativeness. The aim is not to provide definitive solutions to the issues presented but rather to encourage researchers to adopt a critical and informed stance when using digital data.