17. Social Media Outreach Protocol (Appendix I)

Appendix I
Social Media Outreach Protocol

Social Media Outreach Protocol
1. Baseline Social Media Data Collection
a. Collect social media information on Baseline Information Forms
i. Ask sample members if they use Facebook, Twitter, or MySpace
ii. Ask sample members to provide the usernames they employ on each site
2. Locating sample members with social network information
a. Locate sample members on Facebook using the usernames and other contact
information provided
i. Verify correct sample member identity through information matching in
fields such as hometown and birthday
b. Send introductory message to located sample member inviting the sample member
to become friends with the study representative
i. Use standard message that includes the following information:
1. The study representative is available on Facebook to answer
questions, and may contact the sample member in the future with
information about surveys and gift cards
2. Becoming friends with the sample member is voluntary, and is not
necessary to be part of the study
c. When responses are received, log them in the Sample Management System (SMS)
and take the appropriate action:
i. Respond to any questions
ii. Extend friend request if sample member indicates it is acceptable
iii. Accept friend request if sample member has extended it
iv. Log all actions taken as a result of the sample member communication in the
SMS
d. If no response is received, send follow-up message one month after first message
i. Use standard message that includes the following information:
1. Reminds sample members that the study representative is available
on Facebook to answer questions, and may contact the sample
member in the future with information about surveys and gift cards
2. Reminds sample members that becoming friends with the sample
member is voluntary, and is not necessary to be part of the study
ii. Log all actions taken as a result of the sample member communication in the
SMS

3. Locate sample members without social network information
a. At a later time, we may locate non-respondents for whom we do not have any social
network information because it was not provided on the Baseline Information Form
b. If we decide to locate these sample members, follow the above protocols to make
contact
i. This contact will continue to be voluntary for sample members, as they can
accept or reject our request to become friends