DAR pros and cons

From Dar

Advantages

Internet research is used by some social researchers because it is a fast and relatively inexpensive way of gaining access to a wider range of sources of data than most conventional research approaches could manage. This can include not only internet searches for existing databases and sources but also using the internet to collect new data through e-mail and web-based enquiries and questionnaires.

Disadvantages

The potential advantages have to be weighed against the potential problems: biased samples, lack of quality control, difficulties in checking the provenance and trustworthiness of some of the data available on the net, ethical issues associated with plagiarism, guaranteeing confidentiality to providers of data, ensuring that those who contribute data have a clear understanding of what your research is about, etc