This research is being conducted by Principal Investigator Dr. Rebecca Ortiz, a professor at Syracuse University, and graduate student researchers Nicole Travis and Maggie DiPatri. The research team can be reached by email at research@creatorproject.org

We want to understand how online content creators (e.g., on platforms like TikTok, YouTube, Instagram) interact with their followers, what that creator/follower relationship looks like from the creator's perspective, and how digital platform labor affects creators' mental health and well-being. Your answers will help us better understand the world of content creation and inform policies and support resources for creators.

You will be asked to complete an online survey that takes approximately 10-15 minutes. You will answer questions about your social media usage, online presence, relationships and interactions with your followers, and past negative online experiences (such as harassment or hate comments). 

Yes. Upon completing the study, you will receive a $10 digital gift card distributed via Tango (Tango Card), which can be redeemed for various electronic gift card options. To receive your payout, you will be asked to contact us via Instagram Direct Message so we can send your reward link. 

If you choose to exit or withdraw from the study early, payment will be pro-rated to compensate you for your time: $2.50 via Tango if you exit after completing the initial screening/consent questions but before reaching the midpoint, $5.00 via Tango if you complete at least 50% of the survey before withdrawing, and $10.00 via Tango upon full survey completion. 

The risks associated with participation in this study are minimal. Discussing negative online experiences (such as harassment, criticism, or burnout) may cause mild emotional distress or discomfort. You may skip any question you do not wish to answer or stop the survey at any time. 

There are no direct personal benefits to you for participating. However, your responses will contribute to a better understanding of how content creators navigate online spaces and help inform future platform safety policies and digital well-being resources for creators. 

Your privacy will be protected by conducting this research through a secure, online survey platform. The survey is designed to be confidential. Your survey link will be unique to you, but any identifiable information collected (such as your email or Instagram handle) will be stored in a separate, encrypted file apart from your survey answers and accessible only to the approved research team (Dr. Rebecca Ortiz, Nicole Travis, and Maggie DiPatri). You can also take the survey in a private location of your choice to ensure no one else sees your answers. 

Your participation is voluntary. You may skip and/or refuse to answer any question for any reason. You are free to withdraw from this research study at any time without penalty. 

For questions, concerns, or more information regarding this research, you may contact the principal investigator Dr. Rebecca Ortiz (and the team) at research@creatorproject.org. If you have questions or concerns about your rights as a research participant, you may contact the Syracuse University Institutional Review Board at (315) 443-3013.