  The scientific method drives improvements in public health, but a strategy of
obstructionism has impeded scientists from gathering even a minimal amount of
information to address America's gun violence epidemic. We argue that in spite
of a lack of federal investment, large amounts of publicly available data offer
scientists an opportunity to measure a range of firearm-related behaviors.
Given the diversity of available data - including news coverage, social media,
web forums, online advertisements, and Internet searches (to name a few) -
there are ample opportunities for scientists to study everything from trends in
particular types of gun violence to gun-related behaviors (such as purchases
and safety practices) to public understanding of and sentiment towards various
gun violence reduction measures. Science has been sidelined in the gun violence
debate for too long. Scientists must tap the big media data stream and help
resolve this crisis.
