Too good to be true: Hidden challenges of online research recruitment

2025/02/23 by Bethany Probert, Jennifer Godber, Avril Drummond · 1 voice
Social Sciences · Health Professions · #Social Media in Health Education #Wikis in Education and Collaboration #Health Literacy and Information Accessibility

paper · pdf · doi:10.1177/03080226251323062

openalex publication_date 2025/02/23 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/15

Abstract

Technological advancements and the COVID-19 pandemic have accelerated the use of online qualitative research. This has built on traditional face-to-face recruitment and data collection methods in a way that may reduce time and cost commitments for both researchers and participants. Online recruitment, such as social media posting, offers researchers an alternative means of reaching their target population. While this approach can be beneficial, it may have the potentially unforeseen consequence of exacerbating the risk of fraudulent participation.

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