Heads up: some academic research taking place

Love a bit of windmills

When results are out and where?
I am curious what they are looking for

If you post in the public domain, anyone can use it. Don’t know why mn asked us

...

This thread is a classic example of how posters on MN now choose to read posts on MN. i.e. they don't. They only read the OP and then barge into the end to put their own post, certain in the knowledge that their words and insight are special and different from anyone else's.

Grounding Day alert

I've finished my popcorn
Do I need more?

If you post on a public forum, what you put on there is in the public domain. It's really weird to think otherwise.

The problem with this is that the forum functions as a place for people to cathartically disclose sensitive topics and seek support from others when they're sometimes in the depths of despair but feeling very much alone and isolated, unable to tell anyone in RL what's troubling them.

There are mumsnetters who find the forum a hugely supportive place precisely because it does work in this way. What about those posters who, from hereon, for whatever reason, missed the 'heads up' alert? Not everyone reads everything.

I think both Mumsnet HQ and the researchers themselves have an ethical responsibility. I think probably, given the outrage on the site at the DM exploiting Mumsnet for cheap sensationalism, there are others who would agree with my position. I'm surprised the 'opt out consent' hot through a university ethics committee. It wouldn't have at the university in which I conducted research on social media and the disclosure of sensitive topics.

Which is even more mind boggling when people seem to think they can control what happens with their public posts.

They gave us the option. Some took it. some decided to berate those that did. I can't see why it matters to some people that some others decided to take the option.

Yeah, we know that.

Which is even more mind boggling when people seem to think they can control what happens with their public posts.

If you post on a public forum, what you put on there is in the public domain.

Yeah, we know that. Many thanks for telling us again though.

If you post on a public forum, what you put on there is in the public domain. It's really weird to think otherwise.

Plot Twist: The research is actually about how MNers respond to the idea that their public posts are going to used by the university students and the different language used when asked for permission before the study compared to when a study is published with no prior request for permission.

@BIWI

I have nothing of value to say, I’m just rambling shit.

MNHQ might as well add a disclaimer whenever we post for those naive enough to think that public posts are not read, analysed or copied by anyone, from partners to newspapers, market analysts and researchers.

Wake up people.

I really don't know the reasons for this thread, but either MNHQ woke up on the silly side of the bed, or the thread is indeed the subject of the study.

But what do you mean by 'main page'? This is in a stickied post which means it always comes up towards the top of Active Conversations - can't see how it could be more 'main page' than that!

@BIWI

I know the whole point, I did read MN post my question is more why give heads up to people in a sub thread forum that only comes up in active or if people particular go to that area of site. So in my opinion which is based on my years of coming here, it’s not really giving poster opportunity or to be made aware. So why not post it on main page?

Yes I know it’s ironic given that research is done by various sources without requesting permission and it is public forum for all to see.

I learnt very harsh lesson in early days when it was dial up Internet, there is no such thing as being anonymous online, if someone wants your data, publish all your secrets, steal your identity and commit fraud they will.

TBH I really that not invested, I am here because I need a temporary distraction.

But if they post on the specific threads they're giving the game away that that's the area they're interested in, which will change how people post. The whole point of analysis like this is that it's people's 'natural' way of posting.

Ok I have another question

Being as the researchers are going to be collecting data across the boards, shouldn’t this be mentioned on those boards or on the main page so those that wish to op out of giving consent can do so.

As this is a sub thread, which unless comes up as in most active or people seek out then they will not be aware.

I haven’t finished reading ethics section on data collection for research.... it does waffle on

You're lucky they asked! I know a lot of academic researchers who use Internet message boards without consulting anyone. It's approved by ethics because it's in the public domain anyway.

Sorry @Lweji! You were definitely first!

Meh that’s disappointing if that’s the case, they could save themselves valuable research time, just copy the likes of ofcom research report and change a few words here and there.

Ahem...
Way ahead of you.

Lweji Tue 04-Sep-18 14:12:07
This thread alone would make an interesting case study.

Haha! I think it may be something like 'the change in attitudes towards online privacy and trends on social media post GDPR and recent privacy scandals'!

But I know nothing