How Digital Technologies Are Transforming Social Sciences

Abstract

Digital technologies are transforming social sciences. Social networks, mobile applications, digital trac- es, virtual spaces, and much more either become an independent object of research or turn out to be inextricably linked to the “material” everyday life. But digital technologies require the formation of new skills (for example, digital literacy) for different stages of working with data – from their collection and processing to interpretation. Besides, disciplinary boundaries, methodological principles, and a general approach to research design are being rethought in connection with the proliferation of digital practices. The article discusses the changes that occur in the social sciences due to the spread of digital technolo- gies and data, as well as the mixing of the boundaries of disciplines in research practice.