Reddit.com – A Social Media Resource for Information Professionals?

By Phil Gallagher

There are many uses for social media, including use as an open source research tool. In this post, I’ve compiled information about reddit from the AIIP email discussion list, correspondence with members, and correspondence with a Redditor.

As an independent information professional, I wouldn’t recommend reddit as a primary resource, but sometimes it could be useful for finding a hidden gem that can get you across the finish line. Also, I would not rely on building consensus on reddit, as trolls may thwart your attempt with contrary posts, voting, and “fake news.”

Navigating reddit.com

A quick comment about how people refer to reddit subcategories: Similar to a folder system on a computer, subcategories are located by going to www.reddit.com/r/[subcategory] (e.g., if someone recommends /r/cutecats, you would go to www.reddit.com/r/cutecats and see pictures and other aggregated contributions about cats).

Subcategories vary widely. Input from readers, through comments, upvotes, and downvotes, determines which posts are ranked highest. Visibility criteria can also be determined by the filter in a subcategory which the viewer selects. For example, you can sort by popularity (best or hot) or you can elect to sort by the Controversial filter, which includes posts that have received an equal number of upvotes and downvotes.

Additionally, you can participate without subscribing or logging in. This is a blessing and a curse, as a subreddit can be less a reflection of a broad swath of users and more a distortion by individuals or groups with similar interests or beliefs. Many users find reddit subcategories for more obscure topics and hobbies. For those more well-versed with Facebook, an analogy for a subcategory might be an open Facebook group.

Monitoring reddit.com

Redditors, editors of subreddit categories, are tasked with enforcing rules, in addition to providing content to the community.

Reddit content can be deleted by the poster, so if you’re trying to capture potentially ephemeral content, have your screen capture ready (snipping tool or other favorites).

When it comes to common uses by information professionals, identifying whistleblowers, tipsters, and snitches seem to be the most common business use, along with investor documents (not secret but not widely circulated).

Positive vibes?

Additionally, for popular content or initiatives, you’re likely to see backlash postings. So, a highly positive reddit subcategory can backfire if you’re trying to sway opinion with reddit. (For example, see: https://www.reddit.com/r/TIHI/comments/d0np62/thanks_i_hate_taylor_swift/.) That being said, if you seek information, consider using affirming and opposing points of view in tandem with the Controversial sort filter.

Lastly, reddit is widely recognized to be a source of potential meandering around the web. So, don’t let it distract your focus from the task at hand.

If this post piques your interest in reddit, I would encourage you to spend a little time browsing and testing it out. Remember your netiquette when posting and have those screen capture tools ready. And remember to reach out to AIIP members for assistance.

Phil Gallagher is an AIIP Associate Member looking to contribute to the information pro community by synthesizing open access information into useful intelligence. He is hoping to start his business in the coming months. philg1@ymail.com