Ethical Considerations in Research Design on Online Interactions

Consider a psychological study investigating the effects of online social interactions on adolescent self-esteem. The researchers designed an experiment in which one group of participants (Group A) engaged in positive online interactions, while another group (Group B) experienced negative online interactions. After a month, they assessed the participants' self-esteem levels using a standardized self-report measure.

While the study provides valuable insights, there are significant ethical considerations that must be addressed regarding the treatment of participants and the potential long-term effects of the intervention. Discuss the ethical considerations relevant to this research design, including informed consent, the potential for harm, and the need for debriefing. Additionally, propose strategies that could mitigate ethical concerns while ensuring the integrity of the research findings.