Source material always has two aspects: form and content. In scientific terms, these are often referred to as “remnant” and “testimony.” For clarity, we’ll use the term “form” instead of “remnant” in this handbook and “content” instead of “testimony”. The form refers to the physical or digital structure of the source material, revealing information about the creator (the source) and the broader context in which it was produced. 

For example: the metadata of a social media post includes the number of reactions, comments, and shares the post has received, on which page or in which group (if relevant) it is posted, information on the account that has produced the post, and the characteristics of the social media platform in question. Such form elements might affect your understanding of the post. The form is also related to genre and language. The post can be descriptive, argumentative, explorative, prescriptive, narrative, or use any other mode of discourse. The mode of discourse and the language used can reveal much about the source.

Content refers to the information conveyed by the source material—what it reveals about the subject it addresses.  

To understand how digital source material gains meaning through its dual nature of form and content, it’s essential to consider the technological processes involved in its creation. The technology used to produce and distribute source material significantly influences how its content is presented to the audience. For instance, the choice of technological intermediary can shape the way information is conveyed, affecting both its clarity and impact. Simultaneously, the form of the source material often provides valuable insights into its origin—shedding light on who created it and under what circumstances.  

Here are some questions you might ask about the form and the content of the source material.

Form

• What does the metadata reveal about the source of the information?
• Is the source a human or a machine (e.g. a generative AI, a bot, a database)?
• Does the source appear authentic, or are there indications of inauthenticity, such as an automated social media account?
• Is the material created by an individual, or is it a collaborative effort by multiple actors?
• Is the individual behind the information identifiable, or is the source hidden behind a company or organization?
• Does the website sharing the information meet legitimacy standards, such as providing contact details?
• How does the language use and mode of discourse affect your evaluation?
• Could the source material have been altered, and is it transparent about any changes?

Content

• What information does the source material promise, and does it fulfill that promise?
• Does the content pretend to give a complete picture of the topic treated?

The image is generated by SCAM using Midjourney