Content analysis is one of communication science’s core methods and its long established norms and standards as well as a lively meta-scientific reflection around it ensure that it continues to be maintained as such (e.g., Haim et al., 2023). Recently, Large Language Models (LLMs) have not only been put to content-analytical use, but norms and standards, as well as challenges, have been discussed extensively (e.g., Farjam et al., 2025; Stoll et al., 2025; van der Velden et al., 2025; Waldherr et al., 2024). Such discourse around methodological development is crucial and, in the case of LLMs and content analysis, has also brought together different disciplines. Crucially, however, communication science seemingly shows a reflex of boundary work to maintain authority over the discipline’s core method. Such defensive behavior challenges interdisciplinarity and, thus, likely also inhibits progress. This contribution will reflect on this reflex and on the interdisciplinary progress from LLMs for content analysis.

Haim, M. & Reiss, M. (6/2026). LLMs and the study of media content. Presented at the 76th Annual Conference of the International Communication Association, Cape Town. (content_copy)