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Utilising Computer-Mediated Communication and the Internet in Health Research

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Using Naturally Occurring Data in Qualitative Health Research

Abstract

In the modern world, there is a growing reliance of computer-mediated communication and social media sources. In this chapter, we illustrate the value of Internet sources, such as discussion forums, and social media, such as Facebook, for the study of health-related issues. Additionally, some email conversations, text messages, and instant message conversations can be classed as naturally occurring. The practical benefits and the challenges of using this kind of data for health research are critically discussed, along with some additional ethical dimensions that this kind of data raise.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Social and Political Science, University of Chester, Chester, Cheshire, UK

    Nikki Kiyimba

  2. School of Education, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA

    Jessica Nina Lester

  3. The Greenwood Institute of Child Health, University of Leicester, Leicester, Leicestershire, UK

    Michelle O’Reilly

Authors
  1. Nikki Kiyimba
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  2. Jessica Nina Lester
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  3. Michelle O’Reilly
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Kiyimba, N., Lester, J.N., O’Reilly, M. (2019). Utilising Computer-Mediated Communication and the Internet in Health Research. In: Using Naturally Occurring Data in Qualitative Health Research. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-94839-3_8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-94839-3_8

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-319-94838-6

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-94839-3

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