The current world is characterized by innovation and invention, especially in the field of engineering. However, the issue of ethical dilemma emerges because of the conflict that exists between an engineer and his/her ethical obligations. Ethical dilemmas in Social Network-Based Research have emerged as a major ethical dilemma in the field of engineering. In this case, a dilemma arises as to what limit of data ought to be used when carrying out Social Network-Based Research.
According to the Science Daily, the issue of consent arises because the institutional review boards (IRBs) have not given the age limit to which data belonging to a teenager can be adopted and applied in research. However, as is the case, in any research involving human beings, it is important to first seek consent from the participants, especially the adolescents. Nonetheless, the absence of well-established guidelines and regulations, along with contradicting regulations, has led to ethical dilemmas because researchers are torn between complying with existing IRB regulations and carrying out research. The issue has resulted in heated debates where some scientists believe that social network users over 13 years are not children and therefore, they can give their consent.
In this case scenario, the best actions are to provide regulation by giving the age limit, providing guidelines on whether it is ethical for researchers to use online data belonging to individuals without their consent. In addition, there is a need to provide regulatory standards that give a clarification in regard to applicable ethical standards. Lastly, IRB and other bodies need to define what data is referred to as private and which does not qualify to be private.