This chapter explores the role of online platforms in conflicts and in the diplomatic practices that precede or sustain them, while reflecting on the relevance of qualitative methods in the era of big data. It opens by discussing the strengths and limits of qualitative approaches in capturing symbolic dimensions, despite challenges in generalization and longitudinal analysis. The chapter then presents three case studies: the first addresses how platforms support spatial representation and mapmaking in border disputes; the second analyzes the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ communication on Twitter (now X) in preparing for conflict; the third examines the Israeli Defense Forces’ popularized communication strategy, prompting reflection on the militarization of platforms. These cases highlight the often-ambiguous role of platforms in shaping diplomacy and conflict representation. The chapter closes by reflecting on researcher positionality when qualitatively studying ethically complex fields as conflict and diplomatic communication.