What is it about?
This case study talks about the challenges a doctoral candidate faced while trying to recruit participants for a research study using social media. What seemed like a simple plan turned into a nightmare when the candidate was targeted online, facing issues like having their personal information shared (doxxing), being banned from social media platforms, and dealing with lasting negative effects. The case study describes how these issues delayed the candidate’s progress and added unexpected costs to the research project. The article also includes reflections from the student’s committee members, who offer advice on how to prevent similar problems in future research studies. The goal is to show that even seemingly harmless recruitment strategies can have serious consequences, especially when using social media, and that careful planning and precautions are necessary.
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Why is it important?
This is important because it highlights a growing concern in academic research—using social media for participant recruitment can backfire in unexpected ways. Social media platforms, while helpful for reaching large groups of people, can also expose researchers to risks such as privacy violations, harassment, and even online attacks. The consequences of these issues can extend beyond just the research process, affecting the researcher’s mental health, professional reputation, and academic timeline. By sharing this cautionary tale, the article raises awareness about the potential dangers of relying on social media and offers practical advice for future researchers to avoid these pitfalls.
Perspectives
As the authors of this case study, we felt it was important to share this experience because it serves as a powerful reminder that even the most well-intended strategies for recruiting research participants can go wrong. As committee members, we watched a doctoral candidate struggle with the unexpected fallout of using social media for recruitment. The personal and professional toll it took on the candidate was eye-opening, and we realized that we needed to help other researchers avoid similar issues. Through this case study, we hope to encourage more careful planning, proactive risk management, and awareness of potential dangers when using social media in academic research. It’s a cautionary tale, but one that can ultimately help others navigate the complexities of modern research environments more safely and effectively.
Assoc. Prof. Ezra N. S. Lockhart
National University
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: When Social Media Recruiting Goes Wrong: A Cautionary Tale of Sample Engagement, The Qualitative Report, August 2024, Nova Southeastern University,
DOI: 10.46743/2160-3715/2024.5082.
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