Between innovation and standardization: Best practices and inclusive guidelines in computational communication science

Computational communication science is transitioning from an emerging to an established field within communication research, creating a need for proper guidelines and methodological standards. This forum gathers experienced computational communication science scholars to debate the merits and drawbacks of standardization and discuss the tension between innovation, rigor, and inclusion. The assembled perspectives review current standards for data collection, sharing, and documentation, offering best practices for future research. They argue that high standards and inclusive practices can coexist, enhancing creativity and accessibility. By adopting inclusive guidelines, the computational communication science community can welcome diverse scholars, foster innovation, and advance the field collectively.