Northeastern University, Department of Applied Psychology

Principal Investigator: Dr. Rachel F. Rodgers, PhD

Title of Project: Social Media Usage Among Female College Students

Consent to Participate in a Research Study

We would like to invite you to participate in a 20-minute web-based online survey. The survey is part of a research study whose purpose is to learn more about how young women use social media. This form will tell you about the study. You may ask the researchers any questions you may have. You do not have to participate if you do not want to. If you decide to participate, you may print this screen to save a copy of the informed consent for your records.

We are asking you to participate in this study because you are a female who identifies as someone who uses social media and is between the ages 18-25 years old. You must be at least 18 years old to take this survey.

The decision to participate in this research project is voluntary. You do not have to participate and you can refuse to answer any question. Even if you begin the web-based online survey, you can stop at any time.

The possible risks or discomforts of the study are minimal. You may feel a little uncomfortable answering questions about yourself. You do not have to answer any questions you are uncomfortable with.

There are no direct benefits to you from participating in this study. However, your responses may help us learn more about the experiences of those who view viral trends on social media.

Your part in this study is anonymous to the researcher(s). However, because of the nature of web based surveys, it is possible that respondents could be identified by the IP address or other electronic record associated with the response. Neither the researcher nor anyone involved with this survey will be capturing those data. Any reports or publications based on this research will use only group data and will not identify you or any individual as being affiliated with this project.

If you have any questions regarding electronic privacy, please feel free to contact Mark Nardone, NU’s Director of Information Security via phone at 617-373-7901, or via email at privacy@neu.edu.

Who can I contact if I have any questions or issues?

You can contact Dr. Rachel Rodgers at 617-373-2105 or email her at r.rodgers@northeastern.edu.

If you have any questions regarding your rights as a research participant, please contact Nan C. Regina, Director, Human Subject Research Protection, Mail Stop: 560-177, 360 Huntington Avenue, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115. Tel: 617.373.4588, Email: n.regina@northeastern.edu. You may call anonymously if you wish.

Will I be paid for my participation?

At the end of this survey, you will have the opportunity to enter into a raffle for $25 gift card for participating in this study.

Will it cost me anything to participate?

There will be no cost to you other than your time.

This study has been reviewed and approved by the Northeastern University Institutional Review Board (# 18-12-06).

By clicking on the “accept” button below you are indicating that you consent to participate in this study. Please print out a copy of this consent form for your records.

Thank you for your time.

Dr. Rachel F. Rodgers, PhD