How do I request data from social media platforms?
Before participating in the study, please request your data directly from WhatsApp. Please take a close look at the corresponding instructions, as they contain important information for the further steps.
What type of device should I use?
You need your smartphone on which you use WhatsApp. Please make sure that you are storing the data on a device that no one but you has access to.
Which chats should I choose?
From time to time most people discuss important matters with others and we need people we can rely on for help. They may be family, friends, or people who have really helped you – we are interested in the chats with the people you are most likely to talk to about really important things in your life.
Please select 5-7 chats with people with whom you discuss important things in your life (group chats are also possible).
How can I delete my data from my device?
We strongly recommend that you delete your original data (chat files) from your device and from your e-mail system (inbox and sent) after completing the donation. Note that simply moving the files to the recycling bin/trash is not sufficient to permanently remove the data from your device. If you would like to learn more about permanent and secure deletion of files, you can find more information on the website of the University of Michigan.
This is the chat export process on an iPhone.
This is the chat export process on an Android device. The process may vary on different devices.
Overview of the download & donation procedure:
Open WhatsApp on your smartphone.
Think about which 5-7 chats are most relevant to you (e.g. close friend, partner).
Pick one of the selected chats and open it.
Tap "More options" (three dots on the right) > "More" > "Export chat".
You will be asked whether to include media files or not. Tap "Without media".
If you want to participate in the study from a computer, select "Mail" (envelope) and send the mail with the attached chat file to yourself. Please only send from/to a trusted mail service (e.g., university mail address). Alternatively, you can send the files to your computer via Bluetooth or Airdrop.
If you have decided to participate on the computer and have sent the chats to yourself by e-mail, download the chat file from the e-mail to your computer.
Repeat the steps 3 to 7 for all chats you selected as most relevant to you. Multiple selection of chats is currently not supported by WhatsApp; thus chats can only be downloaded one after the other.
The official documentation on how to download your data can be found here for iOS or Android.
If you have received your data using these instructions, you can now start with the declaration of consent and survey. Afterwards you can donate your data.
Do you have your data ready?
