Citation

Stepney M. Health Place 2014; 27C: 51-58.

Affiliation

Institute of Science and the Environment, University of Worcester, Henwick Grove, Worcester, WR2 6AJ, United Kingdom. Electronic address: m.stepney@worc.ac.uk.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2014, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.healthplace.2014.01.001

PMID

24531441

Abstract

This paper explores the potential dilemmas and opportunities for setting up online discussion forums when undertaking research on health-related behaviour. It draws on the setting up of a website called 'girlsdrinkdiaries.com' which sought to understand young women's relationship(s) with alcohol and their feelings about drinking and drunkenness. I reflect on how the use of virtual space may allow for more liberated and 'free' talk about sensitive topics in health, yet at the same time may create a voyeuristic and potentially abusive environment. In doing so, I explore the ultimate demise of the website and therefore the potential problems of utilising online methods. I suggest that researchers need to carefully mitigate and negotiate harm when considering such methods, whilst also acknowledging how participants themselves resist and negotiate risk in virtual places.

Language: en