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A newly published poster from the collaboration between the DSC and ifib highlights how the DataNord project strengthens data literacy and supports research on online hate speech. The poster and abstract are now available on Zenodo.

For the 5th Conference of the Academy of Sociology, held from 8 to 10 October 2025 at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz under the theme “Societal Changes – Sociological Answers”, Dr. Susanne de Vogel (Data Science Center, University of Bremen) and Ricarda Luther (ifib), together with Dr. Lena Steinmann and Prof. Dr. Rolf Drechsler (Data Science Center, University of Bremen), prepared the poster “Interventions to Socio-Technical Problems: Data Literacy and the Case of Online Hate Speech.”

What is the poster about?

The contribution shows how societal challenges such as misinformation, algorithmic bias, and online hate speech are closely linked to digital infrastructures and data practices. To study these phenomena and develop meaningful societal responses, social scientists increasingly need strong data skills. At the same time, significant gaps in data literacy remain – particularly in the social sciences.

How DataNord addresses this gap

This is where the Data Science Center (DSC) comes in through its work within the BMFTR-funded DataNord project. As a key part of the regional data competence center, the DSC supports researchers through:

Tailored training in data management, data analysis, and critical data use
Individual consultation on data collection and analysis strategies
Networking opportunities that foster interdisciplinary exchange

At the DSC, Dr. Susanne de Vogel serves as a contact person for social scientists. She advises, trains, and supports researchers across the entire DataNord network, helping to build sustainable data-related skills in the region.

A central role is also played by the DataNord Research Academy, where methods specialists and domain experts collaborate across five joint research projects. By combining data science approaches with disciplinary expertise, the Research Academy promotes advanced data competencies and embeds them directly in research practice – contributing to the development of a future-oriented data culture.

Example project: “We the (Social) Media”

One of these projects, “We the (Social) Media”, is addressed in the poster to illustrate how participatory, data-informed research can help better understand online hate speech. The project is based at the Institut für Informationsmanagement Bremen GmbH (ifib), implemented by Ricarda Luther, and led by Prof. Dr. Andreas Breiter.
The project works closely with activists who are themselves affected by online hate speech, involving them directly in the research process. Together, they develop user-centered moderation tools that bring together sociological perspectives and data-driven methods. Project partners include Prof. Dr. Stephanie Geise (ZeMKI, University of Bremen), Prof. Dr. Sebastian Haunss (SOCIUM, University of Bremen), and Prof. Dr. Hendrik Heuer (Center for Advanced Internet Studies).

Why does this matter?

Digital data increasingly shape how research is conducted and how societal problems are understood. At the same time, knowledge about data quality, methods, ethics, and critical data use is unevenly distributed. This poster contribution highlights how the DSC and DataNord help close this gap – supporting researchers and affected communities alike in engaging with digital developments in informed and responsible ways.

Due to a short-term illness, the poster could not be presented in person. However, both the poster and abstract have been published on Zenodo: https://zenodo.org/records/17142514