A less intimidating context to engage on your own terms
Participants and facilitators were in general agreement that the OYCs provided a comfortable method of conducting research, and a less intimidating environment for young people to engage in research compared with face-to-face methods. All agreed that they would participate in or facilitate an OYC again, as one facilitator elucidated, “Yes, I’d do another [OYC] I think it was really interesting getting to hear their thoughts …” [Facilitator]. Participants and facilitators expressed that they felt comfortable speaking in the online environment. This was further articulated where some participants spoke about having social anxieties, and how the OYC provided a less threatening environment for people who feel anxious or not confident about having to participate in a group discussion. The reticence of some young people to join a face-to-face group was expressed by one participant, “Face-to-face would be good but it would be hard due to anxiety.” [Participant].
One benefit of the OYC method was that it afforded participants the ability to choose the level to which they engaged with the group and discussion - with the video on, or audio only. Approximately half of the participants chose to have the video on, with the others choosing to leave it off. Both participants and facilitators spoke of liking this aspect of the OYCs, as it created a less threatening environment whereby participants could engage with the research in a way that made them feel comfortable. Participants reported that they appreciated the control the ability to turn their video on or off afforded them. There was less social pressure to participate. These benefits were particularly salient for those participants who described experiencing social anxiety. There was a small number of participants who said that they would have preferred face-to-face for the social interaction.
All participants and facilitators regarded the flexibility to participate in the research from home or work as a benefit of OYCs. Many spoke about how this increased comfort levels being able to choose where they participated or facilitated the OYC, with many opting to do this from their own home, “I think there were a lot of good things about doing it online, especially if [the participant] are in their own space, or just a place they are familiar with, that they are comfortable with.” [Facilitator] Both participants and facilitators thought the flexibility and convenience broke down barriers associated with physical attendance such as costs associated with travel, arranging transport, ensuring ample time to attend, and ensuring that participants from remote areas were able to attend, “I can join from home and I don’t have to travel anywhere.” [Participant] For example, one young person participated from the clinic where she was employed as a health worker. In some cases, the convenience of the online setting was a key facilitator of participation, “If I had to go somewhere, I probably wouldn’t have done it.” [Participant].
Overall, most agreed on the appropriateness of using a method like OYCs during the current pandemic and the restrictions in place, “Not the same as face-to-face but definitely a good way to do things in the current environment [COVID-19]” [Participant]. Many participants recognised that conducting research online was the safest option available to them in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, “If I had to choose between online and coronavirus, I would choose online” [Facilitator]. A minority expressed that although OYCs were not their preferred setting, it was the safest way to conduct research, adapting to the “new normal” of the pandemic.
When considering whether they would prefer to engage in a Yarning Circles online or face-to-face, the responses from participants and facilitators were mixed. Some of the participants and facilitators had clear preferences for either online or face-to-face, however, most could see the benefits of both methods. The main reason for participants preferring a face-to-face Yarning Circle was the preference for in-person social interaction. Participants’ preferences for online were predominantly related to alleviating anxiety, increased flexibility and familiarity with socialising online, “Online I think would probably be easier for people … and I think that as well … its less awkward … online … and yeah, the setting of it, it’s more relaxed online” [Facilitator]. Facilitators recognised that some people would prefer to engage on-line, while others would prefer a face-to-face setting. The importance of assessing and accounting for participant preferences was suggested as ideal, if both options are possible.