Ensnaring webs and nets: ethical issues in Internet-based research

Abstract

The Internet is a relatively new medium for research that few nurse researchers have embraced. While it offers countless opportunities for nursing research, it also is prey to many perils. In the crucible of cyberspace, the very nature of not only the research process, but also that of the participant researcher relationship is transmuted. This paper critically examines the major and often unique ethical issues of online research, and argues these must be adequately addressed if online nursing research is to effectively protect participants and researchers from harm, and optimally meet the profession's and society's best interests.