Abstract
This chapter explores a collaboration between computer scientists, who take a primarily quantitative approach, and qualitative researchers in sociology and international relations. It aims to investigate how online platforms support or hinder the sharing of empathy and trust among people in extreme and vulnerable circumstances. The chapter introduces the benefits of interdisciplinary work within the emerging field of computational social science. It explored how computer and social scientists can work together to investigate these themes in relation to two different spheres: emotional distress and humanitarian and disaster-linked crises. The computer scientists in the team have devised a simple tool that finds replies to an initial data set achieved through key word searching. Identifying the potential and limits of social media research is important for international researchers and policymakers in the context of situations where access on the ground and traditional field analysis may be difficult.