Tracking the Flu: Motivation and Understanding of a Community of Flu-Reporters

The Great Influenza Survey is an interactive and participatory monitoring system for influenza-like illness in the Netherlands. During the flu season from November until May, thousands of citizen scientists report their... [ view full abstract ]

The Great Influenza Survey is an interactive and participatory monitoring system for influenza-like illness in the Netherlands. During the flu season from November until May, thousands of citizen scientists report their flu-like symptoms, allowing researchers to track flu activity geographically and through time. Since its start in 2003, this citizen science project has gathered a loyal participant base that faithfully reports their symptoms every week during the flu season.

This study examined participants' experience, motivation, and understanding. In particular we were interested in the differences between long-term versus relatively new participants. We conducted an online survey with over 1600 flu reporters asking them about their experiences, their reasons for participation, their knowledge and learning, and their attitudes towards science.

On average, participants were middle aged, female and had finished higher education. The majority of participants had no previous experience with citizen science or scientific research. Over 80% of study participants reported their symptoms every week during the flu season. The most important reasons for people to participate was because they want to contribute to science and because they are interested in science and health. Participants of this study had a good understanding of the flu and reported that they had learned something through their participation in the project.

Long-term contributors were more likely to indicate contribution and interest as reasons to participate. In terms of perceived learning impact, long-term contributors were slightly more likely to report having learned about flu and epidemics through their participation. In addition, people who had been involved longer, were more likely to report symptoms every week and to read the newsletter.

Findings of this study may inform the field of citizen science at large in understanding what makes participants stick with a citizen science project for longer periods of time.