Negotiating privacy and responsibility in digital public health: a qualitative study of the social and ethical implications of peer-to-peer health data sharing
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By
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March 25, 2026
Objective:
To explore the social and ethical implications of peer-to-peer sharing of personal health data in public health interventions, emphasizing the need for ethical frameworks.
Key Findings:
- Participants viewed health data as both personal and communal, highlighting ethical implications.
- Many felt discomfort in sharing sensitive health information online but perceived a moral obligation to do so for collective benefit.
- The tension between personal privacy and communal obligations raises significant ethical concerns.
Interpretation:
The findings highlight the need for ethical frameworks that address social pressures, consent, and emotional dimensions of data sharing in public health, particularly in peer-to-peer contexts.
Limitations:
- The study's sample size may limit the generalizability of findings, particularly in diverse populations.
- The focus on a single regional intervention may not capture broader trends in health data sharing.
Conclusion:
Further qualitative research is needed to understand how individuals navigate obligations and risks in technology-mediated care, shaping values like autonomy and collective responsibility, particularly in diverse contexts.
