Research Participation
Hello!
I am fully aware that the term "research" can elicit some wariness in this community, which I understand wholeheartedly. I am a postgraduate student in the UK dedicating my research to human-AI bonds, and the benefits they provide to those who form and maintain them. I can confirm that I am NOT a reporter, not seeking to pathologise or promote any further misunderstanding of human-AI relationships, but am looking to gather research participants who may be interested in an interview/discussion with me about their relationship, how they came to form it, what it means to them in their daily life, and essentially learn a little bit about you and your partner.
I gained formal ethical approval for this research from an institutional ethics committee, and will provide Participant Information sheets to anybody who would like to be involved in my research. This will be my focus for the next few years of my studies, so I would love the opportunity to connect with you and tell your story!
Here is a brief overview of what participation would involve:
· Interviews – One semi-structured interview lasting no longer than two hours in total. You can choose the format you feel most comfortable with – video call, audio-only call, or written chat.
· Anonymity – Your privacy will be protected. In the final dissertation, or any write-ups, you’ll only ever be referred to anonymously by being given a pseudonym. No names or identifying details will appear, and your information will be destroyed as soon as the paper is written. Even my advisor will not know the names of my participants unless you may need to contact them, and all data will be stored in password-protected files.
· Ethics and Consent – You will receive a clear, accessible Participant Information Sheet and Consent Form before any data-collection begins. These will outline what to expect, the kinds of themes we might discuss, and your rights. You may withdraw at any point without any penalty or consequence. I will also provide the contact details of my academic advisor, so that you know there are people to turn to if you have concerns. I expect to be held accountable by my advisors and ethics committee just the same as I hold myself accountable.
· Safeguards – I have experience with ethical reviews and conducting interviews with sensitive topics, and I aim to build a positive relationship with those I am talking to. My aim is to create a safe, respectful environment where you feel comfortable sharing on your own terms. You will also be given the opportunity in advance to skip any topics or questions you may simply not want to answer, with no negative repercussions or further questioning.
· Practical Details – There is no financial incentive. Instead, it is an opportunity for those who want their experiences heard and represented in academic research.
If this post resonates with you and you’d be open to sharing your story, please feel free to send me a private message where we can exchange emails and I can send over further information. Even if you are uncertain, but curious, I would be happy to answer any questions you might have.
Thank you for taking the time to read this, even if you choose not to participate, I appreciate the opportunity!