Researchers endeavoring to conduct an online study should consider that there are some potential risks of harm to subjects unique to internet-based research. One of these risks is:
a. Recruiting, consenting and debriefing subjects takes place on-line and may require little to no interaction with the subjects.
b. People assume pseudonymous online identities, such as an avatar in an MMORPG.
c. Online studies do not require documentation of informed consent.
Individuals may post private identifiable information about themselves on-line without intending it to be public and available to researchers.

Individuals may post private identifiable information about themselves on-line without intending it to be public and available to researchers.

Explanation:Online research studies are conducted without having to print out questionnaires, traditional one-one physical interviews in other to acquire data and saves a lot of time. Online research involves acquiring needed data through the internet making use of online polls, and questionnaires. Online surveys are advantageous in terms of cost saving, ease and time of collection and respondents are generally more massive in number than when the traditional system is adopted. However, privacy concerns are usually attributed to online surveys and researchers should take cognizance of potential risk which could emanate when respondents post private identifiable information about themselves on-line without intending it to be public.