Sociologia digital ou sociologia do digital?

Abstract

The essay brings up a discussion about a distinction that emerges in the field of sociology where a specific area gains prominence and autonomy by dedicating itself exclusively to social phenomena related to the use of New Information Technologies and digital social networks: I refer do digital sociology. The distinction concerns the debate regarding the autonomy of this area in relation to the great area of ​​Sociology. I debate how the new uses both in social and cultural practices and in the sociologist's profession allow us to imagine a new epistemology in the field, as well as new methodologies. To this end, I analyze this supposed novelty in the methods used in the area of ​​digital sociology, I discuss the spheres where these transformations are most felt, particularly in the area of ​​informational work. Finally, I discuss the opportunity to take on the emergence of a new epistemology in the field of sociology that takes into account the new mediations of "social-digital", interactions with human robots, as well as the massive production of data about citizens.