Table 1.
Opportunities, Challenges, and Suggestions for Engaging Youth as Participants in Online Research.
| Opportunities | Challenges | Suggestions |
|---|---|---|
| Recruitment | ||
|
Can attract a more representative sample: 1. Online recruitment can reach urban and rural communities. 2. Broader reach to youths through social media and sharing of recruitment posts. 3. Increased awareness and credibility of the team’s ongoing research through social media. 4. More engagement in geographically diverse communities. 5. Less barriers to participation (e.g., scheduling, transportation). 6. Use of online platforms is free for participants. |
Recruitment can be hindered by: 1. Social inequalities (e.g., Internet access, computer access, education, language). 2. Challenge to build relationships and trust with parents and guardians through online communication. 3. Challenge creating connections with youth organizations to share and promote recruitment. 4. Offering compensation can attract imposter participation; this is more challenging to screen in virtual environments. |
1. Consider offering in-person or online information sessions to parents and organizations: Anticipated outcomes: - Increased awareness of research objectives - Increased knowledge of how the child may be involved, therefore more willing to provide consent. 2. Consider offering compensation in an ethical manner. Anticipated outcomes: - Increased opportunity for the involvement of youths from lower socio-economic backgrounds - Promotion of autonomy during research participation - Pre-plan ways to identify potential imposter participants through your recruitment strategy. |
| Active engagement | ||
|
More creative and inclusive forms of participation: 1. Multiple ways to communicate (e.g., chat, emojis, microphone). 2. More accessible for those with visual and hearing impairments. 3. Lessen power imbalances: Participants had power over where they could join, and had the choice to turn the camera on or off. 4. Familiarity and comfort with the online platform. |
Issues with rapport: 1. When other participants do not turn their cameras on, it is harder for participants to openly converse. 2. Lack of face-to-face contact can hinder a warm environment. Barriers to disclosure: 1. Fear of family members or others overhearing conversations |
1. Encourage participation through the chat function or use of emojis Anticipated outcomes: - Increased participation for those who do not feel comfortable speaking aloud in their home. 2. Overtly address the awkwardness of the zoom room when cameras and microphones are disabled, and how this hinders conversation. Anticipated outcomes: - Increased use of cameras and microphones - Better rapport between participants |
| Facilitation | ||
| 1. Including two young adult facilitators representing different genders (men, women, or gender diverse) to facilitate workshops, can help the youth, feel more comfortable. 2. Unique alternatives for sharing information (e.g., using the chat, responding with emojis, reactions, etc.). 3. Features like “raise a hand” ensured everyone was heard when they wanted to speak. |
1. More difficulty identifying if participants are eligible for the study if they turn their cameras and microphones off. 2. Difficult to monitor the youth’s environments to ensure a safe space. 3. Some youth engage in multitasking during sessions. 4. Technology-related demands (e.g., poor Internet connection) may have interfered with sessions. |
1. Communication prior to the start of the session to work through technological needs Anticipated outcomes: - Alleviates unexpected technological barriers during conversations. 2. Preface sessions with discussions about the importance of the youth’s voices in research Anticipated outcomes: - More present and intentional participation |