WHAT IS IT?
A method to detect, analyse + visualise public contestation over topical affairs
Also referred to as controversy mapping
Visualises public disputes and the actors
Developed in Science & Technology Studies (STS)
'Actor Network Theory' developed by anthropologists in science labs due to realisation that scientists relied on a variety of human and non-human actors
WHAT IS AN ACTOR?
Human or non-human participant
'An entity that does things' (accidentally or proactively), can even be an aeroplane/website
VISUALISING NETWORKS
Start with trusted media outlets (with caution and fact check if necessary)
Identify and visualise relationships between the actors
Can use maps of geographical relevance, time scale if temporality is main link, or can organise by topic
Make multiple maps (at least to begin with)
Find links and gaps