In terms of the method used social media research, the data demonstrate that quantitative research (58.8%) is more prevalent than nonquantitative research (35.3%), a finding that contradicts the results of previous Internet trend studies indicating that nonquantitative approaches were more prevalent. These results could reflect this study’s inclusion of articles featured in public relations journals, where a vast majority (82.4%) of social media research articles employed quantitative methods. In general, quantitative approaches maintain that a phenomenon can be explained based on objective facts. Thus, a research design and measurement instruments serve to eliminate research bias and errors. On the other hand, quantitative methods endeavor to provide greater detail to aid in understanding a situation that is assumed to hold multiple realities. While inherently different, both methods are considered complementary for understanding a phenomenon.59 A balance of these methodological approaches is therefore encouraged for research in the varied disciplines in order to provide greater insight into social media.