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Scrolling into trouble: Navigating social media’s pitfalls with applied behavior
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European Journal of Behavior Analysis
ISSN: (Print) (Online) Journal homepage: https://www.tandfonline.com/loi/rejo20
Scrolling into trouble: Navigating social media’s

pitfalls with applied behavior analysts
Ashley N. Creem, Amy Bukszpan, Jessica L. Piazza, Dena Wasserman, Asim

Javed, Justin B. Leaf, Joseph H. Cihon, Amanda N Kelly, Melissa S. Saunders,
Melissa L. Olive, Julia L. Ferguson, Christine Milne, Robert K Ross & Mary
Jane Weiss
To cite this article: Ashley N. Creem, Amy Bukszpan, Jessica L. Piazza, Dena Wasserman, Asim
Javed, Justin B. Leaf, Joseph H. Cihon, Amanda N Kelly, Melissa S. Saunders, Melissa L. Olive,
Julia L. Ferguson, Christine Milne, Robert K Ross & Mary Jane Weiss (31 Jan 2024): Scrolling into
trouble: Navigating social media’s pitfalls with applied behavior analysts, European Journal of
Behavior Analysis, DOI: 10.1080/15021149.2024.2309416
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EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS
https://doi.org/10.1080/15021149.2024.2309416
Scrolling into trouble: Navigating social media’s pitfalls with

applied behavior analysts
Ashley N. Creem a,b, Amy Bukszpana, Jessica L. Piazzaa, Dena Wassermana,
Asim Javeda, Justin B. Leafa,c, Joseph H. Cihona,c, Amanda N Kellyd,
Melissa S. Saunderse, Melissa L. Olivef, Julia L. Fergusona,c, Christine Milnec,
Robert K Rossg and Mary Jane Weissa
a
Institute for Applied Behavioral Science, Endicott College, Beverly, MA, USA; bIRIS Behavioral Health
Services, Watertown, CT, USA; cAutism Partnership Foundation, Seal Beach, CA, USA; dBehaviorbabe,
Orlando, FL, USA; eCreative Interventions, Windsor, CT, USA; fAdapt for Life ABA, Louisville, KY, USA; gRoss
Consultation LLC, Tallahassee, FL, USA
ABSTRACT ARTICLE HISTORY

In recent years, social media has experienced tremendous expan Received 19 September 2023
sion within the field of applied behavior analysis (ABA), presenting Accepted 17 January 2024
numerous advantages. Social media serves as a conduit for con KEYWORDS
necting behavior analysts across the world, facilitating easier dis Social media; ethics; social
semination of information. Additionally, social media provides a networking; online behavior;
valuable platform for advocacy and a venue for professional dis ABA; autism
course, thereby enhancing collaboration and knowledge sharing
within the ABA community. Despite these benefits, the surging
popularity of social media within ABA brings forth legitimate con
cerns. These concerns have the potential to yield serious implica
tions. As such, this paper highlights some of these concerns. To
address and mitigate these potential risks, the paper offers action
able solutions and ethical guidance tailored specifically for behavior
analysts navigating the dynamic landscape of social media. By
recognizing the challenges inherent in social media and providing
informed strategies, this paper seeks to promote a responsible and
ethical approach to the integration of social media in the practice of
behavior analysis.
Social media can be defined as, “internet-based channels that allow users to opportunis
tically interact and selectively self-present, either in real-time or asynchronously, with
both broad and narrow audiences who derive value from user-generated content and the
perception of interaction with others” (Carr & Hayes, 2015, p. 8). Social media gained
popularity from platforms such as America Online (AOL) instant messenger (released in
1997 [Victor, 2017]), Myspace (founded in 2003 [Chokshi, 2019]), and YouTube
(launched in 2005 [Burgess & Green, 2018]). Since the creation of these platforms in
the late 1990s and early 2000s, social media has grown exponentially. Facebook,
YouTube, and Intagram have billions of monthly active users (Ceci, 2024; Dixon,
CONTACT Ashley N. Creem acreem@endicott.edu

© 2024 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives License
(http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/), which permits non-commercial re-use, distribution, and reproduction in any med
ium, provided the original work is properly cited, and is not altered, transformed, or built upon in any way. The terms on which this article
has been published allow the posting of the Accepted Manuscript in a repository by the author(s) or with their consent.
2 A. N. CREEM ET AL.
2023a; Dixon, 2024). Other popular social media sites such as TikTok and X (formerly
Twitter) have hundreds of millions of users (Ceci, 2023; Dixon, 2023b).
The growth of social media has changed the information landscape, with benefits
for society. For example, the Black Lives Matter movement started with a Facebook
post using the hashtag “Black Lives Matter” (Black Lives Matter, n.d.) and quickly
gained traction, growing into a global movement (Maqbool, 2020). Social media also
served an important role in the 2020 U.S. presidential elections, positively impacting
voter registration with record breaking numbers (Moore & Hinckle, 2020). Although
social media has led to positive changes, it can also lead to negative outcomes. About
1 in 5 adults have reported getting their information from social media (Shearer,
2020). Yet, an analysis of surveys conducted by Pew Research Center indicated that
these adults are less likely to get the facts right and are more likely to hear unproven
claims about current events (Mitchell et al., 2020). This is not surprising, considering
inaccurate information is pervasive on social media. For example, the recent global
pandemic related to the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) resulted in 1,225 fake
news stories between March 2020 to April 2020 alone regarding COVID-19 (Naeem
et al., 2021). Naeem et al. (2021) reported half of these false stories were spread
through social media.
The field of applied behavior analysis (ABA) has also had tremendous growth on
social media. A quick search of “ABA” and “applied behavior analysis’’ on Facebook
revealed over 200 Facebook pages and groups dedicated to ABA or behavior analysis. To
date, popular ABA Facebook groups such as Applied Behavior Analysis (Applied
Behavior Analysis, 2007) and ABA Skill Share (ABA Skill Share, 2016) have over
30,000+ members. Further, those who identify as behavior analysts have created
Facebook pages (e.g., Behaviorbabe (2010), The Daily BA (2018a), the Bearded
Behaviorist [2018]), the Autism Helper (2012a)) dedicated to disseminating behavior
analysis to the public. It is not uncommon to see these Facebook pages have 10,000 to
130,000+ followers. Additionally, popular behavior analytic websites such as The Daily
BA (n.d.), The Autism Helper (2023), and Behaviorbabe (2008) use a variety of social
media platforms including X, Facebook, and Instagram.
The rise in social media has had numerous benefits for behavior analysts and the field
of ABA. For one, it has been used as a platform to bring behavior analysts separated by
great physical distance to a common digital ground (e.g., Newly Minted, 2018; PFA and
SBT Community, 2018). Second, it has been used as a medium to disseminate research
and clinical findings (e.g., BCBA Clinical Questions, 2016; Behavior Analysis Article
Share, 2014). Third, it has helped in advocating for behavioral intervention to third party
payers and legislators (e.g., Autism Law Summit, 2016). Fourth, it has been used to help
prepare young professionals for certification examinations (e.g., ABA Study Group, 2014;
StudyNotesABA, 2018). Fifth, it has provided a way to disseminate information to those
who might not have resources of traditional dissemination such as, presenting at con
ferences (e.g., ABA Skill Share, 2016; BCBA Clinical Questions, 2016). Sixth, it has
provided opportunities to better connect and interact with consumers of our field,
potential consumers of our field, and society (e.g., Parenting with ABA Community,
2018). Finally, social media has been used as a platform to have important discussions
and discourse about the future of our field (e.g., Applied Behavior Analysis, 2007;
Behaviorbabe, 2008, 2010; The Daily BA, 2018a, 2018b).
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS 3
Despite its many benefits to the field of ABA, social media is also not without its
disadvantages/concerns. Previous commentaries have attempted to address these con
cerns (e.g., O’Leary et al., 2017). For example, O’Leary et al. (2017) voiced various
concerns about social media and ABA, including but not limited to: (a) undifferentiated
access to scientific information, (b) exposure of multiple relationships, and (c) the
dissemination of information which misrepresents the field. In this commentary,
O’Leary et al. (2017) provided guidelines as it related to the Behavior Analyst
Certification Board (BACB) ethical code. Unfortunately, it seems that guidance has
gone unnoticed. The issues arising from this have been briefly discussed in previous
publications (e.g., Arthur et al., 2023; Leaf, Cihon; Leaf, Cihon, Javed, et al., 2022, 2022)
and professional contexts (e.g., Leaf et al., 2023; Leaf & Cihon, 2020; Leaf; Kelly et al.,
2021). However, none of this prior literature focused solely on how behavior analysts
may navigate appropriate ethical behavior within social media. Additionally, other
behavior analytic certification bodies also provide ethical guidelines for practicing beha
vior analysts (e.g., The International Behavior Analysis Organization [IBAO],
Progressive Behavior Analyst Autism Council PBAAC]). As such, the purpose of this
paper is to: (a) highlight some recent concerns found within social media and (b) provide
some possible recommendations and guidance for behavior analysts to behave in ethical
accordance with the BACB, IBAO, and PBAAC within the context of social media. It
should be noted that the recommendations provided have been informed by the cited
ethics codes, research, and clinical experience of the authors. They are by no means
intended to be exhaustive or guaranteed methods to prevent ethical dilemmas on social
media. For that, the research awaits.
An important preface
Before we begin it is important to provide some caveats that will be important in
interpreting the contents of the paper. First, ethics are not always clear cut (Bailey &
Burch, 2022). There may be a great deal of disagreement among professionals on what is
considered ethical or unethical and how a behavior analysts should proceed. Second,
certified behavior analysts are required to behave with integrity across professional
environments (Behavior Analyst Certification Board, 2020; International Behavior
Analysis Organization, 2021; Progressive Behavior Analyst Autism Council, 2022). On
social media, where information posted on a “private” page may still be accessible to the
public, behavior analysts are then responsible to behave ethically (Behavior Analyst
Certification Board, 2020; International Behavior Analysis Organization, 2021;
Progressive Behavior Analyst Autism Council, 2022). This holds true whether posting
on private Facebook pages or on a public forum, as consumers may not be aware of the
distinction.
There is also a difference between sharing opinions, misinformation, disinforma
tion, or generalizations on social media. While facts are objective and evidence-based
statements, opinions are subjective statements which may or may not be backed up by
facts, often have bias, and cannot be verified (National Library Board Singapore, n.d.).
Nyhan and Reifler (2010) defined misinformation as “cases in which people’s beliefs
about factual matters are not supported by clear evidence and expert opinion”
(p. 305). Whereas disinformation is information with the intent to deceive (Fetzer,
2015). For example, if an individual were not aware that there is insufficient evidence
to support the statement, “weighted blankets effectively reduce challenging behavior
for autistics/individuals with ASD” the statement would be considered misinforma
tion. This statement would be considered disinformation if the individual was aware
that there is not enough evidence to support this statement, yet still made it to
encourage the sale of weighted blankets. Misinformation and disinformation are
categories of inaccurate information. When a public statement impacts professional
activities, the behavior analyst has a responsibility to provide evidence and prevent
the deliberate spread of misinformation and disinformation (Behavior Analyst
Certification Board, 2020; International Behavior Analysis Organization, 2021;
Progressive Behavior Analyst Autism Council, 2022). Behavior analysts may provide
opinions but should make it clear when opinions are offered. For example, saying “I
believe ABA can cause trauma” is an opinion. Stating, “ABA causes trauma for most
autistic/individuals diagnosed with ASD” without any scientific evidence would be an
example of misinformation. Stating “ABA causes trauma for autistics/individuals
diagnosed with autism” to influence a parent from enrolling their child in ABA
therapy is an example of disinformation.
Some concerns found in social media

Concern 1: Promotion and acceptance of pseudoscience
There are hundreds, if not thousands, of interventions implemented for autistics/
individuals diagnosed with ASD. Unfortunately, many of these “interventions” lack
empirical evidence and can be categorized as pseudoscience or antiscience (Capuano
& Killu, 2021; DiGennaro Reed et al., 2017; Leaf et al., 2016, 2018; Zane et al., 2022).
Even more unfortunate, some behavior analysts are implementing or recommending
non-evidence-based, not empirically supported, pseudo-scientific, or anti-scientific
procedures (E. A. Campbell et al., 2021; Schreck et al., 2016; Zane et al., 2022). For
example, Marshall et al. (2023) surveyed 921 certified behavior analysts (i.e., BCBA-D,
BCBA, BCaBA, or RBT) on their implementation of different interventions. The
results revealed fewer certified behavior analysts reported using unestablished, inef
fective, or harmful interventions since Schreck et al.’s (2016) survey; however, some
certified behavior analysts still reported implementing unestablished, ineffective, or
harmful interventions. Further, Marshall and colleagues found that online sources
were part of the reason that these some of these procedures were implemented by the
respondents.
As opportunities to share information expand with new social media content, the
opportunity to support and spread pseudoscience grows. Unfortunately, behavior
analysts are not immune to this opportunity and there are numerous examples of
the promotion of non-evidence-based, and, sometimes, harmful procedures on social
media. First, behavior analysts have requested information/materials for interventions
with dubious evidence such as social stories (e.g., Allen, 20221; DeMichele Auclair,
2020; Iborra, 2020). Second, behavior analysts have responded to posts with recom
mendations of interventions that are not evidence based (e.g., Elliot, 2023; Jagoda,
2020; McCullough, 2020; Medeiros, 2022; Miller, 2020). For example, Medeiros (2022)
Table 1. Potential ethical violations for Pseudo-scientific information on social media.

Certifying Agency Code
BACB Core principle: Benefit Others, Core Principle: Ensure Competency, 2.01, 2.13, 2.14, 3.12, 5.03, 5.06,
5.10
IBAO 1.2, 3.2, 5.1, 5.6, 5.7
PBAAC 1.1.1, 3.11.1, 3.11.2, 7.1.1, 7.1.2, 7.1.4, 7.3.1, 7.3.4, 7.4.1, 9.1.2
responded to a post about Zones of Regulation with, “I consiit [sic] to a Therapeutic

program with students who have mental health/social emotional challanges [sic].
A couple also with ASD but not many. The adjustment counselor and I work very
closely together. Yes, to including the Zones.” Third, some behavior analysts have not
condemned harmful interventions, but rather provide statements about the ambiguity
of our knowledge related to these procedures and it is not the behavior analyst’s role
to give opinions against these procedures (e.g., “We are scientists. We 100% fully
believe in the scientific method. But we also are human beings that understand that
sometimes hasn’t caught up or has not been able to capture what it needed to. Or just
basically that sometimes we need to stop being arrogant and vomiting our need for
science all over somebodies existence”; Parnham, 2023, 23:06).
Ethics
The promotion and implementation of unestablished, ineffective, or harmful inter
ventions is problematic (Foxx & Mulick, 2016; NBC News, 2005; Zane et al., 2008,
2022). The discussion of the harm of alternative treatments, non-evidence-based
procedures, pseudo-scientific interventions, or anti-scientific interventions is beyond
the scope of this paper. It has, however, been thoroughly discussed by professionals
for decades (e.g., E. A. Campbell et al., 2021; Capuano & Killu, 2021; Foxx, 2015; Foxx
& Mulick, 2016; Green, 1994; Leaf et al., 2016; Schreck & Miller, 2010; Zane et al.,
2008). These alternative interventions have led to death (Foxx & Mulick, 2016; NBC
News, 2005), wasted time and money (Zane et al., 2008), and are ultimately less
effective than other evidence-based procedures (Zane et al., 2022). Additionally, it is
very possible that certified behavior analysts implementing and/or promoting these
alternative interventions are violating ethical codes (see Table 1). For example, the
Behavior Analyst Certification Board (2020) code of ethics states, “Behavior analysts
select, design, and implement behavior-change interventions that: (1) are conceptually
consistent with behavioral principles . . . ” (p. 12). Many, if not most, alternative
treatments, non-evidence-based procedures, pseudo-scientific interventions, or anti-
scientific interventions are not conceptually consistent with behavioral principles;
therefore, the promotion and implementation would appear likely put one on shaky
ethical grounds.
Recommendations
First and foremost, we recommend behavior analysts become informed about what
constitutes pseudoscience and the harms of pseudoscience. Second, behavior analysts
should become fluent in research design and threats to internal and external validity
(D. T. Campbell & Stanley, 2015) in an effort to better evaluate the available evidence for
various interventions. Third, behavior analysts should not implement any unestablished,
ineffective, or harmful interventions, which should correspond with a decrease in

requests for materials related to these interventions on social media (Milne et al.,
2020). Fourth, if requests for materials related to these interventions occur, behavior
analysts should not provide any as doing so can be perceived as an endorsement of their
use (Milne et al., 2020). Instead, behavior analysts should provide suggestions and/or
materials for interventions that are evidence based. Fifth, when others ask about alter
native interventions, behavior analysts should provide accurate information about that
intervention, the potential harms of that intervention, why that intervention should be
avoided. Finally, behavior analysts should stand strong with science and strongly con
demn the implementation of unestablished, ineffective, or harmful interventions. Doing
otherwise may result in perceptions that unestablished, ineffective, or harmful interven
tions are acceptable leading to their use and possible harm for consumers.
Concern 2: Inflammatory behavior

The field of ABA has a long history of professional discourse (e.g., Gross & Fox, 2009;
Hanley et al., 2016; Layng et al., 2023; Leaf et al., 2017). We contend that professional
discourse helps improve our field and in turn the lives of the individuals we serve.
Discourse should remain professional and behavior analysts should not engage in
behavior that would be considered inflammatory (e.g., posts made to incite anger,
disorder, hostility, or tumult). However, social media provides a large community of
reinforcement for inflammatory behavior and behavior analysts are not immune. That is,
there are many examples of what could be described as behavior analysts posting
inflammatory content on social media (e.g., Alford Hart, 2020; Dettmering, 2020a,
2017; Sunshine, 2020; Ward, 2020). For example, accusing professionals of harm
(Alford Hart, 2020; Dettmering, 2020a, 2017; Ward, 2020) and insinuations that organi
zations are full of shit (Middleton, 2023b) and engaging in supremacist behaviors (e.g.,
“What ABAI’s doing and what all the people who’ve been throwing shade at influencers
have been doing is complaining about the fact that us kids are messing up their fun of
continuing to engage in supremacist behaviors like ableism, racism, sexism, and so on
and so forth”; Middleton, 2023a, 00:15).
Inflammatory comments have also been posted, unimpeded by behavior analytic
administrators, in behavior analytic social media pages. For example, Newman (2020)
posted a meme equating early intensive behavioral intervention (EIBI) to children
working in coal mines. In a more audacious example, in 2020, an autistic individual
publicly accused an autistic mother of influencing another person to commit murder of
a child (Vance, 2020) on a Facebook page founded and administered by behavior
analysts. This accusation was made because the autistic mother posted positive, but
Table 2. Potential ethical violations for inflammatory behaviors on social media.

Certifying
Agency Code
BACB Core principle: Treat Others with Compassion, Dignity, and Respect, Core principle: Behave with
Integrity, 1.01, 5.03, 5.04
IBAO 3.1, 5.1, 5.6, 5.7
PBAAC 1.1.1, 7.1.1, 7.1.2, 7.3.1, 7.3.3, 7.3.4, 7.4.1
critical information about ABA. The autistic mother was never legally accused or had
anything to do with the murder of that child. Yet, the post was not removed or challenged
by the administrators of this group.
Ethics
It should go without saying that posting and/or permitting inflammatory language on
social media is detrimental to the field and to our consumers. It may inadvertently
provide validity to this information to newly certified behavior analysts, other profes
sionals, or consumers. More concerning is that it unnecessarily villainizes colleagues
which only creates more division within the field. It may also prohibit professionals from
providing information about a given topic as they may be fearful of public ridicule and
retaliation on social media if their opinion differs from their colleagues. Finally, posting
or permitting inflammatory language could be considered an ethical violation by differ
ent certifying bodies (see Table 2). For example, IBAO (2021) ethical guidelines state
“Certificants use accurate statements in advertising and only represent potential out
comes that are honest and commensurate with probable outcomes” (p. 7). As such, social
media posts including inflammatory language such as suggesting harm or accusations of
murder in the absence of supporting evidence seem to be a violation of the code of ethics.
Recommendations
First, we recommend continual engagement in professional and civil discourse, which
typically differs from discourse that commonly occurs on social media (e.g., Leaf &
Cihon, 2020). Second, behavior analysts should refrain from inflammatory behaviors on
social media such as name calling, accusing others of belonging to hate groups, or
profanity directed towards others or organizations. Third, we recommend that if
a person has engaged in seriously concerning behavior (e.g., hate crimes, hate speech),
and there is undeniable evidence, then concerns should be brought directly to the person
in question, not social media (Behavior Analyst Certification Board, 2020; International
Behavior Analysis Organization, 2021; Progressive Behavior Analyst Autism Council,
2022). Any claims of seriously concerning behavior should be accompanied with an equal
amount of evidence. Fourth, if an individual makes an inflammatory post on a behavior
analytic social media forum, we recommend that information be removed with
a rationale of why it has been removed. Fifth, if a post cannot be removed for any reason,
it should be accompanied with a statement of concern and rationale for not removing the
post. Finally, if a certified behavior analyst continues to engage in inflammatory behavior
on social media following attempts to address this behavior, we recommend following all
appropriate ethical guidelines on how to proceed including reporting the pattern of
inflammatory behavior to relevant parties (Behavior Analyst Certification Board, 2020;
International Behavior Analysis Organization, 2021; Progressive Behavior Analyst
Autism Council, 2022).
Concern three: Misinformation, disinformation, and broad generalizations

Though social media has many advantages, the immense danger for the dissemination of
inaccurate information disguised and distributed as facts is a hallmark of social media
(Wang et al., 2019). The tremendous growth of social media with its extensive network of
platforms and users has permitted the spread of misinformation and disinformation
across all avenues of contemporary life (Mitchell et al., 2020). This spread of misinfor
mation and disinformation is likely to create a myriad of challenges for consumers,
families, and behavior analysis as inaccuracies regarding ABA-based intervention have
surfaced on social media as well. That is, there are instances of behavior analysts
promoting or permitting misinformation, disinformation, or generalizations on social
media (e.g., Lorraine, 2020,; Miller, 2020; Sunshine, 2021).
One example of a broad generalization involves recommending to never target certain
behaviors such as stereotypic behavior or eye contact (e.g., Sunshine, 2021) or statements
such as “ABA is harmful” (Ward, 2020). We contend that absolutes have no place in
a practice informed by science, and statements that include words such as “never” or
“always” are clear examples of broad generalizations that ignore examining the conditions
under which something is necessary or appropriate. A second example is the support of
a petition posted to abolish addressing stereotypic behavior in ABA-based interventions
(e.g., Lynn, 2020). This example is especially concerning because it was specifically designed
to reach a large group of behavior analysts. Regrettably, when the spread of misinformation
comes from professionals, it comes cloaked in the guise of expertise. Consumers, families,
and burgeoning practitioners may be more inclined to follow a behavior analyst’s clinical
recommendations if they claim expertise in the field or speak to their credential as it brings
validation to the shared information (Cole et al., 2017).
Ethics
The proliferation of misinformation, disinformation, and broad generalizations on social
media poses a risk to ABA’s reputation and overall wellbeing and could prohibit many
consumers and their families from accessing effective, necessary treatment (Association
for Science in Autism Treatment, 2020). Consumers might be led to understand the
information as accurate and follow the posted advice. This may mean that pivotal skills
may not be taught, or effective interventions may not be implemented. The posting of
misinformation, disinformation, or broad generalizations may also unduly influence
novice behavior analysts. Especially if the information is coming from behavior analysts
who have built a large following. Ultimately, posting or promoting misinformation,
disinformation, or broad generalizations on social media may conflict with professional
ethical codes (see Table 3). For example, the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (2020)
code of ethics states,
When providing public statements about their professional activities, or those of others with
whom they are affiliated, behavior analysts take reasonable precautions to ensure that the
statements are truthful and do not mislead or exaggerate either because of what they state,
Table 3. Potential ethical violations when providing misinformation, disinformation,

or overgeneralizations on social media.
BACB 1.01, 5.03, 5.04, 5.10, 6.11
IBAO 3.1, 3.2, 5.1, 5.6, 5.7
PBAAC 1.1.1, 3.11.1, 3.11.2, 7.1.1, 7.1.2, 7.1.4, 7.3.1, 7.3.3, 7.3.4, 7.4.1, 9.1.2
convey, suggest, or omit; and are based on existing research and a behavioral conceptualiza
tion. (p. 16)
Posting or promoting misinformation, disinformation, or broad generalizations

are not truthful and are likely to mislead others, creating the possibility for ethical
violations.
Recommendations
First, to best avoid ethical entanglements with these potential pitfalls, behavior
analysts should be cognizant of the misinformation, disinformation, and broad
generalizations surrounding the science of behavior. This will allow behavior ana
lysts to better identify when inaccurate information is provided and how to respond
accordingly. In turn, becoming savvier in their actions to avoid “liking,” sharing, or
inadvertently endorsing this information on social media. A behavior analyst who
engages in skepticism and evaluates social media postings based upon knowledge of
what is accurate and inaccurate may lead to avoiding the endorsement of inaccurate
information. Second, it is important that behavior analysts view the spread of
misinformation and disinformation through a lens of compassion and education,
rather than scorn and punishment. Instead of assuming intent related to posting
misinformation or disinformation, a behavior analyst should take the approach that
posting is behavior and behavior is lawful (Friman, 2021). We must examine the
conditions under which posting misinformation and disinformation is occurring
and the history that led to its occurrence in the first place. Further, approaching
posts from a proactive, supportive, and collaborative place, creates opportunities to
provide education and resources, potentially mitigating further harm of the spread
of misinformation or disinformation. Additionally, the behavior analyst should take
time to listen and address the concerns (Leaf et al., 2022). This allows for a positive
interaction between peers, as well as the dissemination of accurate information
about ABA. Third, we recommend the behavior analyst also considers politely
asking the original poster to remove their post. If the posting behavior analyst
elects to remove the post, then the matter is resolved and if they are not amenable
to this solution then the behavior analyst could consider responding to the post
with evidence-based resources. By compassionately and empathetically reaching out
to others sharing misinformation and disinformation about the field of behavior
analysis, behavior analysts can help to disseminate accurate information. Fourth, if
a certified behavior analyst continues to engage in sharing misinformation, disin
formation, and broad generalizations on social media following attempts to address
this behavior, we recommend following all appropriate ethical guidelines on how to
proceed including reporting the pattern of behavior to relevant parties (Behavior
Analyst Certification Board, 2020; International Behavior Analysis Organization,
2021; Progressive Behavior Analyst Autism Council, 2022). Fifth, we recommend
administrators of groups create clear rules that misinformation, disinformation, and
broad generalizations will not be tolerated. As such, when a post occurs with
inaccurate information it can be removed with an explanation of why it was
removed.
Table 4. Potential ethical violations when

defaming the field of ABA and those utilizing
and consuming it.
BACB 1.01, 1.09, 5.03, 5.04
IBAO 5.1, 5.6, 5.7
PBAAC 7.1.1, 7.1.2, 7.3.3, 7.3.4
Concern four: Defamation

Defamation involves communicating false or misleading statements in an effort to injure
the reputation a person or organization. Defamation of the field of ABA, those who
provide ABA-based services, and those who seek ABA-based services has been
a recurring event played out across social media platforms (see Leaf et al. 2021; Leaf,
Cihon, Gerhardt et al., 2021; Leaf, Cihon, Javed, et al., 2022; Ross, 2021; Weiss et al.,
2021). Some leading attacks include allegations of abuse, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder/
Syndrome (PTSD/S) for those who received ABA-based interventions, and that the goal
of ABA is to convert autistic/individuals diagnosed with ASD into “normal” people (Leaf
et al., 2021; Leaf, Cihon, Gerhardt et al., 2021; Leaf, Cihon, Javed, et al., 2022; Ross, 2021;
Weiss et al., 2021). While many of these statements may come from individuals outside of
behavior analysis, adults who no longer receive services, or practitioners never certified
or trained, some stem from certified behavior analysts (e.g., Alford Hart, 2020;
Dettmering, 2017). When these statements originate from certified behavior analysts it
is likely to confuse consumers, at best, or result in consumers not seeking the behavioral
intervention that is needed, at worst. Unfortunately, it is not hard to find multiple
examples of certified behavior analysts making these types of statements on social
media and there are numerous outlets (e.g., Listen.Learn.Lead, 2018) that have permitted
defaming posts to go unimpeded.
Ethics
Communicating false or misleading statements condemning ABA (Alford Hart, 2020;
Dettmering, 2017; Ward, 2020) in an effort to injure the reputation of behavior analysts
or the field of ABA could have serious negative consequences. For example, bourgeoning
professionals may leave the field and families may terminate or not seek behavior analytic
interventions when they are necessary and appropriate. Further, those who engage in or
permit the defamation could be at risk for ethical violations (see Table 4). For example,
the Progressive Behavior Analyst Autism Council (2022) ethics code states “The CPBA-
AP avoids making false or misleading statements, providing disinformation, and/or
misinformation” (p. 12). Posting false or misleading statements appears to be in direct
conflict with this guideline.
Recommendations
First, we recommend preventing ethical dilemmas resulting from defamation by refrain
ing from communicating false or misleading statements in an effort to injure the
reputation of the field of ABA, its consumers, previous consumers, or practitioners.
Second, we recommend caution when responding to posts on social media. Posting,
liking, resharing, or redistributing defaming information on social media which rein

forces the delay or omission of ABA services, or supports the use of alternative and
possibly dangerous therapies, places consumers at potential risk (Guthrie et al., 2023; Van
Houten et al., 1988).
Concern five: Collaboration with anti-ABA entities

There appears to be an increase in the number of certified behavior analysts joining or
participating in groups that have clear positions against ABA and/or whose members
have consistently voiced their opinion against ABA. For example, the popular Facebook
group Neuroclastic has over 100,000 followers. This group has consistently posted
information in opposition of ABA (e.g., NeuroClastic, 2019, 2021) and many of its
members are staunch critics of ABA often claiming ABA is harmful and/or abusive
(e.g., Gause, 2023; Rathbone, 2021). There have been instances in which behavior
analysts have taken part in Neuroclastic events (e.g., NeuroClastic, 2022a, 2022b).
Additionally, behavior analysts have invited individuals associated with movements
against ABA onto podcasts (e.g., Beautiful Humans (Host), 2020a, 2020b; Z & P, 2021),
Facebook live events (Bearded Behaviorist, 2022), and online trainings (Megan DeLeon,
2020). In perhaps the most concerning example, a regional behavior analytic conference
invited an individual as a keynote speaker who participated in efforts to defund ABA (i.e.,
Latimer, 2022).
Ethics
It has been and remains imperative for behavior analysts to collaborate with others (e.g.,
consumers, professionals; Behavior Analyst Certification Board, 2020; International
Behavior Analysis Organization, 2021; Progressive Behavior Analyst Autism Council,
2022) and may be especially important to collaborate with those with differing opinions
and those in opposition of our science and practice. Thus, a cursory glance at collaborat
ing with those with anti-ABA views does not raise any red flags. However, collaboration
of this sort could result in undesired and unintended consequences without safeguards in
place. First, this collaboration could be viewed as an endorsement of the person/group
and their views. Second, this collaboration could be used in efforts to promote the idea
that the behavior analyst approves of the perspectives of the person/group. Third, this
collaboration could put behavior analysts in unpredictable situations in which they
cannot provide an accurate account of ABA and its supporting research for fear of
retaliation (e.g., slander, online campaigns against the behavior analyst). Finally, those
who engage in this type of collaboration could be at risk for ethical violations (see
Table 5). For example, the Progressive Behavior Analyst Autism Council (2022) code

a behavior analyst collaborates with anti-ABA
entities.
BACB 1.01, 1.09, 5.03, 5.04
IBAO 5.6, 5.7
PBAAC 7.1.2, 7.3.1, 7.3.3, 7.3.4
of ethics states, “If the CPBA-AP learns of deceptive statements about their work made by
others, the CPBA-AP makes reasonable efforts to correct such statements (e.g., emailing
them about the deception)” (p. 12). As such, if a certified individual does not address
deceptive statements that occur while collaborating with others in the manner, they may
be in violation of this portion of the Progressive Behavior Analyst Autism Council (2022)
code of ethics.
Recommendations
First, we recommend continuing collaboration with those with differing perspectives
regardless of the context (e.g., social media; Bowman et al., 2021; Weiss et al., 2022).
Second, if collaboration occurs on social media, then the behavior analyst should clearly
articulate their behavior analytic world view (e.g., a reliance on evidence-based practice;
Zane et al., 2023) and areas of disagreement (e.g., belief that Rapid Prompting Method is
an effective procedure and non-evidence-based procedure) prior to collaboration when
possible. Third, if personal or inflammatory attacks toward another individual and/or
organization occur, we recommend addressing them immediately and terminating the
collaboration. Finally, we recommend behavior analysts refrain from collaborating with
those with a history of making inflammatory remarks, personally attacking others and
organizations, or who engage in practices to defund ABA-based services.
Concern six: Multiple relationships

Multiple relationships are “a comingling of two or more of a behavior analyst’s roles (e.g.,
behavioral and personal) with a client, stakeholder, supervisee, trainee, research partici
pant, or someone closely associated with or related to the client” (Behavior Analyst
Certification Board, 2020, p. 7). By its nature, social media provides a platform for
sharing personal and private information and is thus ripe for multiple relationships.
One way information shared on a personal page could become problematic is when this
information is viewed by a client, stakeholder, supervisee, trainee, research participant, or
someone closely associated with or related to the client. Take the following scenario for
example:
A BCBA accepts a friend request from a parent. The BCBA, who has recently lost a family
member and is having trouble with mental health, begins sharing personal details on their
Facebook page. The parent reads several posts stating that the BCBA is depressed and
struggling. The parent grows conflicted because they are noticing a decline in the BCBA’s
quality of service, but after reading these posts they are concerned about bringing these
concerns to the BCBA or their supervisor.

a behavior analyst engages in multiple relation
ships on social media.
BACB 1.11
IBAO 6.4, 6.9, 7.3
PBAAC 1.5.1, 1.5.2 1.7.1, 1.7.2
Ethics
The issue of engaging in multiple relationships lies in the potential for conflicts of interest
and biased outcomes (Bailey & Burch, 2022; Kelly et al., 2023). This can compromise the
objectivity and judgment of behavior analysts. Upholding ethical standards, behavior
analysts must strive to make unbiased and objective treatment decisions (Behavior
Analyst Certification Board, 2020; International Behavior Analysis Organization, 2021;
Progressive Behavior Analyst Autism Council, 2022). Furthermore, multiple relation
ships may hinder open and professional communication about services between the
behavior analyst and the client or supervisee. Consequently, behavior analysts who
engage in multiple relationships on social media may be exposed to ethical violations
(see Table 6). For example, the International Behavior Analysis Organization (2021) code
of ethics states,
Certificants should be aware that certain dual relationships can be problematic and limit
objectivity in service provision. If those types of dual relationships exist, certificants make all
parties involved aware of the potential for conflicts of interest and influence. If objectivity is
impaired, the professional relationship needs to be reconsidered. (p. 8)
As such, multiple relationships that impair of prevent the certified behavior analysts from
making objective decisions within service provision will likely result in an ethical
violation.
Recommendations
An easy way to prevent multiple relationships and conflicts of interest across Instagram,
X, Facebook, or any other social media platform, is to not accept friend or follow requests
from clients, stakeholders, supervisees, trainees, research participants, or someone closely
associated with or related to any client. Another option is creating a separate private and
professional social media page and only accept consumers, colleagues, and supervisees as
friends on the professional page. Both options provide relief to walking the fine line
between a public and private posting or professional and nonprofessional persona. It may
also prove beneficial for behavior analysts to express and define their rules around social
media connections with clients, stakeholders, supervisees, trainees, and research partici
pants, at the onset of their professional relationship and review it as needed. In doing this,
the behavior analyst respects various ethical codes by treating all people equitably, and
safeguards against public statements of biases or exploitation through social media.
Concern seven: Clinical recommendations

Social media has become an epicenter for seeking and/or providing clinical recommen
dations. For example, individuals have sought or provided recommendations on, but not
limited to, how to develop/improve language (Rose, 2021), develop/improve social
behavior (Gormley, 2019), develop/improve adaptive skills (May, 2021), decrease aber
rant behavior (Duvall, 2020), the “Hanley-only model” (Anonymous Member, 2023), and
incorporating ACT into parent training (Marie, 2020). Often those seeking clinical
recommendations receive a plethora of recommendations in the absence of supporting
literature, credentials, or the necessary knowledge of the client or contact (e.g., Kearney,

a behavior analyst provides clinical recom
mendations on social media.
BACB 1.05, 2.14, 5.03
IBAO 3.2, 3.4, 3.6
PBAAC 2.1.1, 2.1.2, 4.3.1,
2020). Furthermore, if one is protecting the confidentiality of a client, it is unlikely they

can provide enough information on social media for effective and efficient recommenda
tions to be provided. While unlikely, if enough information is shared to provide effective
and efficient recommendations, it is likely the confidentiality of the client is in jeopardy.
Ethics
An argument can be made that there is nothing inherently wrong with seeking or
providing clinical recommendations via social media as it is akin to doing so over
Zoom, a phone call, in person, or at a conference. However, it is incumbent upon
those seeking recommendations to ensure the recommended procedure is evidence
based, behavior analytic, and most importantly, supported by the individual assessment
results of the client being served. Further, no number of “likes” or followers should be
used as a replacement for experience, education, and sound research. Additionally, one
should be cautious about giving advice without access to the clients behavioral and skill-
based assessment results as well as the understanding of the client’s history. Finally, those
who seek or provide clinical recommendations on social media could be at risk for ethical
violations (see Table 7). For example, the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (2020)
ethics code states, “Behavior analysts practice only within their identified scope of
competence” (p. 9). If recommendations are provided on social media in areas outside
of one’s scope of competence, it is likely to violate the code.
Recommendations
First and foremost, behavior analysts should seek and accept clinical recommendations
only from those qualified to provide those recommendations. Again, no number of likes
or followers should be used as a replacement for experience, education, knowledge of the
client and context, and sound research in determining who may be qualified to provide
clinical recommendations. Second, behavior analysts should not provide client specific
recommendations without direct knowledge of the client and context (i.e., directly
observing the learner in their environment; Behavior Analyst Certification Board,
2020; International Behavior Analysis Organization, 2021; Progressive Behavior
Analyst Autism Council, 2022). Third, when recommendations are provided by
a behavior analyst, they should follow best practices within the professional practice of
behavior analysis and align conceptually with a behavior analytic worldview (Zane et al.,
2023). Finally, when seeking clinical recommendations, it is imperative that client
information is kept confidential according to all applicable laws and ethical codes
(Behavior Analyst Certification Board, 2020; International Behavior Analysis
Organization, 2021; Progressive Behavior Analyst Autism Council, 2022).
General recommendations to safeguard against ethical dilemmas across

social media
Additional efforts can be made to prevent ethical dilemmas for behavior analysts related
to behavior on social media. One is to provide continuing education related to social
media and ethics. This could involve easily consumable presentations that navigate the
intersections of public and private posts, the ethical pitfalls of social media, and connec
tions to the various ethical codes for which behavior analysts may be governed. Even
more, a call for further analysis of online behavior, where professional and public
boundaries start and end, and useful tools for behavior analysts to reference in navigating
this terrain are clearly necessary. Increased venues of education to inform practitioners
are necessary. It is recommended that prominent organizations (e.g., BACB, Association
for Behavior Analysis International [ABAI], Council of Autism Service Providers
[CASP], Association of Professional Behavior Analysts [APBA]) expand on the various
ethical codes, or sufficiently translate how they are applicable within social media by
hosting training and continuing education events related to this topic. Some organiza
tions such as CASP and ABAI have already made some of these efforts. For example, in
2018 ABAI hosted a social media panel at their annual conference. In 2021 CASP hosted
a talk titled “Defending ABA” as it pertained to the defamation of ABA on social media
(Kelly et al., 2021). Agencies like ABAI and CASP are encouraged to continue to provide
these important events. As part of the behavior analyst’s responsibility to remain current
and ethical (Behavior Analyst Certification Board, 2020; International Behavior Analysis
Organization, 2021; Progressive Behavior Analyst Autism Council, 2022), behavior
analysts should actively seek out these trainings. In addition, since the ability to address
all ethical dilemmas is a burdensome endeavor that cannot be adequately remediated
through the present infrastructures, it is recommended that a task force is established
responsible for combating misinformation and disinformation related to ABA.
Further, employers and supervisors can encourage ethical awareness and development
by providing similar trainings and stressing the importance of engaging in ethically
appropriate behavior on social media. Employers and supervisors can also discuss the
outcomes for possible ethical transgressions and provide ongoing ethics training around
the safe and ethical navigation of social media. In addition, employers could clearly
outline a social media policy for all employees to follow that is aligned with the relevant
ethical codes.
Conclusion
With the increased popularity of social media as a venue for the interchange of informa
tion on a mass scale, there has been tremendous growth and rapid dissemination of
information. The field of ABA is not immune to this phenomenon, as it is a byproduct of
the exponential increase of communication, open for public consumption from a diverse
range of individuals (Bonetta, 2007; Caplehorne, 2018; Huang et al., 2019). Social media
has made information and resources readily accessible. Facebook pages such as PFA and
SBT Community (PFA and SBT Community, 2018) or ACT for ABA Practitioners (ACT
for ABA Practitioners, 2017) provide free and easily accessible resources so behavior
analysts can learn new skills. Instagram pages such as The Daily BA (The Daily BA,
2018b), The Autism Helper (The Autism Helper, 2012b), or Behaviorbabe (Behaviorbabe,
2012), afford behavior analysts a similar education. This is especially important in an
ever-growing field with a requirement for behavior analysts to remain competent and
current (Behavior Analyst Certification Board, 2020; International Behavior Analysis
Organization, 2021; Progressive Behavior Analyst Autism Council, 2022). Social media
also provides the opportunity for the dissemination of quality behavior analytic informa
tion. It allows a platform to correct misinformation and disinformation pertaining to
ABA, to learn about evidence-based practice, and to inform others of the importance of
effective and high-quality ABA-based treatment. We recommend behavior analysts
continue to use social media for these purposes.
Unfortunately, parallel to these benefits has been an increase of undesired and unin
tended consequences that are evident in the examples provided in this paper. Social
media also provides the risk of confidentiality breaches and multiple relationships, false
claims, and inaccurate information (Naeem et al., 2021; Suarez-Lledo & Alvarez-Galvez,
2021), pseudo-scientific practices (Vijaykumar, 2019), and a polarization within the field
of ABA (Leaf, Cihon, Leaf et al., 2021; Ross, 2021). The resulting implications for ethical
dilemmas are great. We acknowledge that managing ethical dilemmas on social media
can be tedious and, at times, may feel like an insurmountable task. As such, this paper
sought to provide guidance and recommendations for navigating social media. We
recognize that we do not have all the answers and we have not provided all the answers
to this challenging situation. Nonetheless, we hope that behavior analysts find our
recommendations useful as strategies to guide social media behavior to avoid ethical
dilemmas. Further, we hope our recommendations assist behavior analysts in approach
ing social media dilemmas in a nuanced, collaborative, and compassionate manner.
Note
1. Requirements by APA formatting for in-text citations may result in a perception of singling
out individuals or organizations. That is not our intention, as the examples provided are
examples of numerous instances that may be found on social media in addition to those
provided here. Direct quotes have been avoided when possible (but are available by request).
It should be noted, however, there is no reasonable expectation of privacy on social media
(Mund, 2018).
Disclosure statement
Author Amanda N. Kelly declares herself as Behaviorbabe. Joseph H. Cihon, Justin B. Leaf, Julia L.
Ferguson, and Christine Mile are employed by Autism Partnership Foundation which is a non-
profit that funds research projects, provides workshops/trainings, and offers commercial products,
such as books and continuing education opportunities. Joseph H. Cihon founded the Facebook
group Behavior Analysis Article Share and still serves as an administrator.
ORCID
Ashley N. Creem http://orcid.org/0000-0002-0682-6845
Compliance with ethical standards

No funding was received for this manuscript. All research reported in this manuscript was
completed in accordance with ethical standards of the institutional research committee and with
1964 Helsinki declaration and its later amendments or comparable ethical standards.
Data availability statement

Data sharing is not applicable to this article as no new data were created or analyzed in this study.
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Article in European Journal of Behavior Analysis · January 2024

Amy Bukszpan Joseph Cihon

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Scrolling into trouble: Navigating social media’s

Ashley N. Creem, Amy Bukszpan, Jessica L. Piazza, Dena Wasserman, Asim

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Scrolling into trouble: Navigating social media’s pitfalls with

ABSTRACT ARTICLE HISTORY

CONTACT Ashley N. Creem acreem@endicott.edu

Some concerns found in social media

Table 1. Potential ethical violations for Pseudo-scientific information on social media.

responded to a post about Zones of Regulation with, “I consiit [sic] to a Therapeutic

ineffective, or harmful interventions, which should correspond with a decrease in

Concern 2: Inflammatory behavior

Table 2. Potential ethical violations for inflammatory behaviors on social media.

Concern three: Misinformation, disinformation, and broad generalizations

Table 3. Potential ethical violations when providing misinformation, disinformation,

Posting or promoting misinformation, disinformation, or broad generalizations

Table 4. Potential ethical violations when

Concern four: Defamation

liking, resharing, or redistributing defaming information on social media which rein­

Concern five: Collaboration with anti-ABA entities

Table 5. Potential ethical violations when

Concern six: Multiple relationships

Table 6. Potential ethical violations when

Concern seven: Clinical recommendations

Table 7. Potential ethical violations when

2020). Furthermore, if one is protecting the confidentiality of a client, it is unlikely they

General recommendations to safeguard against ethical dilemmas across

Compliance with ethical standards

Data availability statement

ChangeCast. Apple Podcasts. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-25-aba-reform-

Retrieved July 31, 2023, from https://www.facebook.com/groups/dobettermovement/posts/

Training in Autism and Developmental Disabilities, 55(3), 264–276. https://www.jstor.org/

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liking, resharing, or redistributing defaming information on social media which rein