A Semantic Network Analysis of Gun Culture on Reddit

• In Event: Innovative Applications of Network Analyses: People, Experiences, and Social Media

Abstract

Gun culture in the United States is often misunderstood as a monolithic entity, overshadowing the divergent perspectives and discussions held by different communities of gun owners. We aim to deconstruct this misconception by using semantic networks to explore the nature of gun ownership discourse across the political spectrum. Specifically, this study utilizes data from a number of gun ownership and political communities on Reddit. Findings potentially have implications for the way we understand and approach gun-related research in the future, as well as how fields like criminology can use new and unique sources of data.

Authors

• Madison Gerdes, University of Montana

• Stephen Abeyta, New York University