Using digital content analysis for online research: Online news media depictions of older adults

Abstract

This case study describes how I used the method of digital content analysis in a research project aimed at understanding how online news media articles depict and represent older adults in a New Zealand context. The focus in this case study is on the methodological practice of collecting and analyzing data using a digital content analysis method. Furthermore, this case study discusses the main differences between traditional print-based content analysis and contemporary online digital content analysis. Specifically, through my research experiences of online news media depictions of older adults, I highlight the advantages, challenges, and implications I encountered when using this methodological approach. Finally, I provide recommendations on how to design a research project if you were to use digital content analysis in future research.