This study investigates how information about wind power circulates across Google Search and social media platforms (Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter) in Sweden.
RAT was used to collect Google Search data for 252 wind power-related queries in Sweden, retrieving 5,710 search results and related queries, in order to analyse search behavior, source distribution, and the relationship between queries and results.
Abstract
This exploratory quantitative study examines how information about wind power circulated online in Sweden between May and November 2022. Using a combination of digital methods and datasets from Google Search, Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter, the study identifies dominant sources, narratives, and interaction patterns. Google Search results are largely dominated by public authorities, energy companies, and news media, and user queries focus primarily on technical, financial, and practical aspects such as small-scale wind turbines. In contrast, social media platforms show a strong prevalence of critical or negative portrayals of wind power. Content that frames wind power unfavourably—highlighting issues such as inefficiency, costs, or environmental concerns—receives significantly higher engagement in Facebook groups and YouTube interactions. On Twitter, discussions frequently connect wind power with broader political and energy debates, especially comparisons with nuclear power. Overall, the study reveals a divergence between relatively neutral or informational search results and more critical narratives amplified through social media interactions.
RAT functionality used
Scrapers: Google (SE)
Query Sampler: 252 queries
Publication
Report
Haider, J., Ekström, B., Tattersall Wallin, E., Gunnarsson Lorentzen, D., Rödl, M., & Söderberg, N. (2023). Tracing online information about wind power in Sweden: An exploratory quantitative study of broader trends. Mistra Environmental Communication. https://www.diva-portal.org/smash/get/diva2:1740876/FULLTEXT01.pdf