The rise of virtual yarning: An Indigenist research method

Abstract

Social media is of growing interest as a platform for post-COVID research, providing ungated platforms for minority groups and activists that may struggle to have their messages and voices heard in other media. In First Nations communities around Australia there is a higher-than-average uptake of social media platforms, particularly Facebook. Based on a qualitative research project with a First Nations group in Southeast Queensland targeting knowledges, experiences and perspectives to decolonise disability and caring knowledges this case study explores the use of social media, specifically Facebook, as a platform for virtual yarning focusing on the experiences of First Nations peoples with disability. The study acknowledges the limitations and challenges associated with social media platforms, such as the potential for over-sharing, privacy concerns and the risk of bullying. It emphasises the need for researchers, especially those considered outsiders, to carefully consider the ethical implications and potential exposure to lateral violence. The research highlights the advantages of virtual yarning on Facebook, including increased access to culture and belonging, reduced participant burden and cost-effectiveness. It recognises the value of multimedia platforms in promoting culturally appropriate and accessible communication, particularly for communities with diverse literacy levels. However, the study acknowledges the trade-off between breadth and depth of data quality inherent in social media research and recommends virtual yarning as a supplementary method alongside focus groups and yarning interviews or as a platform to recruit participants for research. Ethical considerations are crucial in this context, particularly regarding privacy, data sovereignty and intellectual property.