This document discusses how digital social networks are being used for informal research. It provides examples of how Twitter is used to analyze real-time feedback on topics like Super Bowl commercials. Other methods discussed include using Amazon Mechanical Turk for crowdsourcing, virtual focus groups, and monitoring social networks. Weak ties through networks are important for accessing new information and opinions beyond one's close social circles. However, the research presented is informal and from early adopters, so results may not be generalizable to all audiences. Online methods show potential to lower the cost of qualitative research.