As I had mentioned in my Week 1 Blog post, I am personally interested in the idea that one of what is considered to be a major drawback of the internet, the increasing social isolation in reality, could also be of benefit to people who have difficultly functioning in a physical social setting. As I had admitted, I am one of those people.
 
I have to admit that in my case this feels a little like cheating, as this subject has been of deep interest to me for a number of years now, and I have consistently pursued information about various types of treatment or palliatives, including the use of the internet. What I have not done is to research the literature to see what specific studies have been performed on this particular avenue.
 
While that gives me the advantage of a deep personal understanding of the subject, it also carries with it the potential for bias. Because I am myself affected, I will have to work carefully to attempt to compensate for my own feeling on the matter. I particularly need to ensure I don’t dismiss something with potential relevance because I don’t see it as a workable solution for myself. Ideally, I wish to look at the overall concept and its application to as wide a range of anxiety disorders as possible, and not simply specifically to those that pertain to my own life.
 
The other issue I may face is that in order to do this, I have to basically be looking in the mirror at myself as I examine the data. This allows the opportunity for my disability to interfere with my research as I may turn away from subject matter that strikes too close to home. To use a term I dislike, I have to try to be thorough with allowing myself to be triggered.
 
I am hoping that I can research the material sufficiently enough to layout my design of an original research proposal by using a broader base of “anxiety disorders” rather than focus on my specific issues and that by doing so I can come up with a proposal that will also work for those like myself.
 
I have to try to find objectivity while working around biases and fears I know I have. I believe that I am capable of doing this and that I can formulate a valid project, but I’m aware that I might be wrong. I would be interested in any feedback you might care to contribute as to your thoughts on the ability to strike such a balance. Thanks!