Ethical Implications of Investigating Internet Relationships

Abstract

The focus on Internet relationships has escalated in recent times, with researchers investigating such areas as the development of online relationships (e.g., McCown, Fischer, Page & Homant, 2001; Parks & Roberts, 1998; Whitty & Gavin, 2001), the formation of friends online (Parks & Floyd, 1996), representation (Bargh, McKenna & Fitzsimons, 2002), and misrepresentation (Whitty, 2002) of self online. Researchers have also attempted to identify those addicted to accessing online sexual material (Cooper, Putnam, Planchon & Boies, 1999). Moreover, others have been interested in Internet infidelity (Whitty, 2003a) and cybersex addiction (Griffiths, 2001; Young, Griffin-Shelley, Cooper, O’Mara & Buchanan, 2000). Notwithstanding this continued growth of research in this field, researchers have neglected to consider the more ethical ways in conducting this type of research.