The use of online methodologies in studying paraphilias — A review

Aims: The paper outlines the advantages, disadvantages, and other implications of using the Internet to collect data from those people displaying sexually paraphilic behavior. Method: Using empirical and clinical studies published in the paraphilia literature, the main issues concerning online paraphilic data collection are reviewed and discussed. Results: The specific online data collection methods examined included the collection of paraphilic data via online questionnaires, online forums, online interviews, and online participant observation. Conclusions: It is concluded that there are many useful and practical advantages of using online research methodologies to examine sexually paraphilic behavior