WhatsApp with doctoral researchers : A reflexive autoethnography

Chandler, Kathy (2025) WhatsApp with doctoral researchers : A reflexive autoethnography. Studies in Graduate and Postdoctoral Education.

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Abstract

Purpose – The study examines how being part of a WhatsApp community of doctoral researchers over a five-year period influences the author’s wellbeing, learning and professional development. Design/methodology/approach – The study adopts a digital autoethnographic approach, using the author’s own contributions to a WhatsApp group of doctoral researchers as data. Findings – For me, WhatsApp plays a significant and positive role in fostering community. The group engenders a sense of connection in a ‘backstage’ community where feelings can be shared honestly and reassurance received, thus supporting wellbeing. In this community, it is easy to seek advice about research. It also provides a low stakes environment in which to learn how to offer advice to others, the experience of doing so contributing to professional development as a doctoral supervisor. Originality - This paper provides a rare glimpse into a peer-led WhatsApp community of doctoral researchers. It adds to the literature that employs rhizome theory as a theoretical lens, showing how rhizomatic principles and ideas around assemblages can be helpful in analysing multiple aspects of WhatsApp groups and other similar online communities. Practical implications - The insights gained will be useful for doctoral researchers considering the potential value of peer support and also for those supporting and supervising them.