Why Networking Research Must Prioritize Human-Centric Methods: Lessons from HotNets 2025
Networking research is evolving to include human perspectives, a shift underscored by a recent HotNets 2025 paper titled ‘Unveiling and Engaging with the Humans of Networking Research,’ according to Prof. Nova Ahmed of North South University. The paper advocates integrating community participation and researcher positionality into networking studies, particularly to address the socio-economic and political inequities that influence the Internet’s development and usage.
Expanding Networking Research Beyond Numbers
The traditional approach to networking research often treats the Internet as an abstract entity to be modeled and optimized, devoid of contextual nuance. Yet, Prof. Ahmed and her collaborators argue this method risks ignoring the diverse experiences of the populations impacted. To bridge this gap, methodologies such as Action Research (AR), Participatory Action Research (PAR), and Participatory Design (PD) are gaining traction. These frameworks involve end-users in the research process, particularly those from marginalized groups, empowering them to express their concerns and shape outcomes more equitably.
For example, ethnographic methods can complement technical analyses to capture not only how a system performs but also how communities adapt and interact with it under real-world conditions. This approach shifts the focus from simply measuring ‘efficiency’ to understanding human and societal implications—a necessary departure in a world where connectivity access is far from equitable.
Why Research Positionality Matters
Another critical proposal in the paper is the explicit acknowledgment of researcher positionality. A scholar working in a resource-constrained environment, such as the Global South, may encounter different challenges and interpret findings differently from their peers in the well-supported research ecosystems of the Global North. Factors like gender, race, and religion can also significantly affect a researcher’s perspective, further underscoring the need for diversity in networking studies. Addressing these disparities, the authors suggest, will lead to more transparent and inclusive research outcomes.
The paper also makes a case for placing these discussions within systems and networking conferences, rather than relegating them to venues focused solely on societal issues. This integration can ensure that technical designs inherently consider human and social values, fostering more holistic solutions.
Future of Networking Research: Implications for Industry and Policy
Incorporating human-centric methods into Internet research could reshape core aspects of the telecom industry. For businesses, this shift means designing infrastructure and services with a deeper understanding of cultural and economic variability. Policymakers, meanwhile, might rely on richer data to evaluate how connectivity initiatives impact underserved communities.
The implications are especially significant as global connectivity efforts, like satellite networks and rural broadband initiatives, aim to bridge the digital divide. By acknowledging the social dynamics of networking, companies and governments stand to deliver more meaningful change—moving beyond metrics like network speed to consider outcomes like accessibility, affordability, and user empowerment.
The transition won’t happen overnight, but the growing recognition of social factors in Internet research marks a critical pivot for technology development. As Prof. Ahmed and her peers argue, technical decisions and human considerations must be inseparable to build a truly inclusive Internet.
Learn more about ‘Unveiling and Engaging with the Humans of Networking Research’ by reading the full paper here.
