Emerging Trends in Communication Research in the New Normal

Abstract

The paper seeks to establish the emerging trends in methods and theories in communication research in the new normal and
to determine factors leading to change in communication research methods in the new normal. The qualitative research
method was applied. The researchers searched for relevant materials on Google Scholar, with 300 valuable results produced.
However, 15 papers, including journal articles, web pieces, and others, were ultimately chosen for the study. The report
discusses the transition theories to the effects of interaction theories and the transition in methodology and investigation
approach from positivism to naturalism, as well as the use of research in micro and cultural approaches as the emerging
trends. It also sees ICT studies, such as internet media, social media, and digital media, that produce pictures more
immediately, impulsively, concurrently, and effectively as other trends in communication research. The study also identifies
e-mail interviews, instant messaging interviews, online focus groups and forums, Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), and
Social Media as the emerging tools of the Media Research Approach. The paper also shows that the changing media
environment, differences in national and international orientation, the quality of the research, affirming the institutional
status of the discipline, and attempts to improve relationships between academia and industry are the factors that lead to the
change in communication research The paper concludes that the pace of new technologies in the new normal may find
many communication researchers lagging and recommends that communication researchers need to adequately respond
and adjust themselves to the new innovative approaches to communication research, especially in data collection.