JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

As Facebook continues to grow its number of active users, the potential to harness data generated by Facebook users also grows. Because the nature of many interactions on Facebook consists of creating (and replying to) written posts, the potential use of text data generated by Facebook users is enormous. However, conducting content analysis of text from Facebook users requires adaptation of research methods used for more traditional sources of qualitative data such as interviews. Furthermore, best practice guidelines to assist researchers interested in conducting qualitative studies using data derived from Facebook are lacking. In this paper, we combine information obtained from a literature review of 23 studies published between 2011 and 2018 and our own research experience to summarize current approaches to conducting qualitative health research using data obtained from Facebook users. We identify potential strategies to address limitations related to current approaches, and we propose five key considerations for the collection, organization, and analysis of text data from Facebook. Finally, we consider ethical issues around the use and protection of Facebook data obtained from research participants.