Anonymity as a double-edge sword: Reflecting on the implications of online qualitative research in studying sensitive topics

Abstract

In this article, I reflect on the potentials of using online qualitative data collection methods to elicit narratives from adolescent participants who have experienced victimization within their friendships. Specifically, this article examines the impact of anonymity on participants’ self-disclosure, while also considering the potential limitations of online qualitative research, namely, building rapport amongst participants and the researcher, participant authenticity, and participant safety. It is the hope that other novice researchers will benefit from these methodological and ethical reflections of using online qualitative data collection methods for research on sensitive topics. Keywords: Online Research, Qualitative Research, Sensitive Topics, Anonymity, Participant Self-Disclosure.