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See all MNHQ comments on this thread

MNHQ

Heads up: some academic research taking place

664 replies

RowanMumsnet · 30/08/2018 16:53

Hello

Some researchers from a UK university are going to be collecting posts from some boards on Mumsnet over the next few weeks. They will be looking only at posts published from this point onwards. Selected posts will be anonymised (ie usernames will not be stored anywhere), and all processes will be GDPR-compliant.

EDITED BY MNHQ: to be clear, NO private or back-end data is being shared with the researchers and they will have NO access to any extra information about users. They will only be analysing published posts, ie things that are already in the public domain.

The researchers will analyse the text of the anonymised posts as part of their study. The full text of these anonymised posts will not be reproduced in the study - no pieces of text that make you or your situation identifiable will be published.

Once the study is complete, the database containing the anonymised posts will be destroyed.

Obviously we'd love to tell you what the study is about - but we can't because it will skew the results. However once the research has been completed we'll share it with you and you can read all about it. The academics running the study are people we've worked with before, and the topic is one we think lots of MN users will agree is interesting and useful.

IMPORTANT BIT: if you DO NOT want your posts to be considered for inclusion in the research, please shout here on this thread or email us on [email protected]

And of course let us know if you have any questions and we'll see if we can answer them.

Thanks

MNHQ

OP posts:
youarenotkiddingme · 01/09/2018 18:27

Late to this but also actually surprised at how many people are getting their knickers in a twist.

You do realise your words are already out there in the public domain Confused

KateMcD451 · 01/09/2018 18:34

I would like to opt out too please. I can't make a proper judgement without knowing the full details so I'm opting out.

IdahoJones · 01/09/2018 18:53

Gosh, is this really a public website? Who knew.

BoneyBackJefferson · 01/09/2018 18:55

youarenotkiddingme

the only people getting their panties in a bunch are those calling those that have opted names and mansplaining.

BoneyBackJefferson · 01/09/2018 18:56

*should be
opted out names

youarenotkiddingme · 01/09/2018 19:40

Well yes I don't agree with name calling.
I'm just surprised how many people don't realise that no one needs permission to use what they've written online as it's in the public domain.

SassitudeandSparkle · 01/09/2018 19:51

@RowanMumsnet could you confirm if MNHQ will be passing the data to the researchers to analyse via software or similar process - not simply reading the forum? You mention a database, it sounds more likely that it is the data processing aspect that requires permission.

RoseAndRose · 01/09/2018 19:51

With the assurance that the researchers will see no 'back end' data, and be unable to expose NCs, I'm fine with this

PortiaCastis · 01/09/2018 19:57

I'm well aware data farmers do not need permission to steal posts but in this case I'm given the option to opt out of someone somewheres research so I have taken that option

BoneyBackJefferson · 01/09/2018 19:57

youarenotkiddingme

I'm genuinely surprised that you are surprised that some people don't understand social media.

You only have to look at the amount of people that have lost jobs, etc. due to not understanding that its a public forum.

And again they aren't asking for permission they are asking us if we would like to opt out.

Wheresthebeach · 01/09/2018 20:17

Hi Thanks for the heads up - count me out please.

FredaNerkk · 01/09/2018 21:27

Fine with me; I don't wish to opt out.

And for the record I agree with those who have pointed out that the researchers went beyond the call or ethics or law to offer the opportunity to opt out.

Informed consent has limits as a governance device for research ethics. In many situations - including this one - it is neither necessary nor sufficient.

Aaaahfuck · 01/09/2018 22:00

I'd be really interested to see the research when it's done. What is the time frame for it to be at that stage?

figelnarage · 02/09/2018 06:27

What a drama over nothing

youarenotkiddingme · 02/09/2018 07:18

Boney you seem annoyed at me? I agree with you. I get that people really haven't ever really considered their words could be used and the wider impact of what they write - I'm just surprised in this day and age that there seems to be quite a large population still rather in the dark.
I also get they are offering the option to opt out. I thinks that's great. But what surprises me peoples reactions on why the want to opt out "they don't want their words used and refute permission". Yet as someone pointed out anybody can take the words and print them and even link it to your username.

I'm all for people having their opinions and think mnhq have been good to inform people.

Of anything this thread has highlighted the need for more online education to be given to perhaps the older generations and not just the ones going through school in this media age?

llangennith · 02/09/2018 07:26

Fine with me. I'm in. Looking forward to reading about it.

BIWI · 02/09/2018 07:26

Oi! Less of the ageism, thank you! I'm part of the older generation and I'm very well aware of how to use the internet, the implications of what I post and where.

I've also been on MN for almost 12 years now, and I'm under no illusion that what's posted here is secret - as I have pointed out on this thread (and countless others over the years).

And I'd also like to remind you, that it's my generation that has grown up with the advent of computing and the internet so, if anything, we're more experienced than those in their 20s and 30s!

BoneyBackJefferson · 02/09/2018 08:50

youarenotkiddingme

I am not annoyed at you, I apologise if it comes across that way.

I am annoyed at those that for some reason think that because I and others choose to opt out that we are less intelligent or don't understand.

drspouse · 02/09/2018 09:21

There seem to be a lot of people on this thread who can't read the OP.
I'm less surprised that there are people who don't understand research or don't understand social media.

Iamagreyhoundhearmeroar · 02/09/2018 09:24

The op has been added to several times due to lack of initial clarity.
We can all read.

drspouse · 02/09/2018 09:29

Several of those asking questions are after the edits and clarifications.

ShrodingersSturdyPyjamas · 02/09/2018 09:33

There seem to be a lot of people on this thread who can't read the OP.
I'm less surprised that there are people who don't understand research or don't understand social media.

And people are well within their rights to opt out as the offer has been made.

drspouse · 02/09/2018 09:35

Of course they are - it's not the opting out that's making me roll my eyes but the pearl clutching going with it!

youarenotkiddingme · 02/09/2018 11:36

Yes dr that's what o was getting at!

BIWI again - apologies if my comments have upset. They didn't intend to. I wasn't suggesting the whole older generation (me included!) had no idea but that school age children are educated in this kind of thing and we didn't get that education as SM etc didn't exist. I think there maybe needs to be more out there education wise for those people who want and need it.

My point purely is as dr said that it's quite astonishing how many people have become very up in arms about the whole thing. I totally understand people deciding to opt out. That's their prerogative. It's the reaction of the fact the whole idea someone will read their public words or that MN could agree to this that has surprised me.

Every days a school day!

Bloodylucky · 02/09/2018 11:40

Please do not include me.