Using geo-enriched Twitter data to uncover hidden church populations

This project will utilise recent developments in social media research methodologies to explore whether or not geo-enriched Twitter data can be used to uncover hidden populations. This question will be addressed through a study which will seek to identify previously undocumented churches in London. An examination of new church populations in London will contribute to the growing literature on church growth in the Britain. A number of studies have identified both growth and decline in Britain’s church population, using a range of research methods. Such academic enquiries into church attendance require accurate church population data which can be analysed quantitatively; this paper will seek to explore whether or not recently developed social media research methodologies can be effectively used to help address this challenge.

For more information on this project, please contact Anthony-Paul Cooper:

[email protected]