Online FGD is very interesting and feasible technique. Only challenge is that its not in natural setting.

Since the COVID-19 era began, online interviews have been prominent, including focus group interviews. I have done multiple focus group interviews via online meeting platforms (e.g., Zoom and Tencent). It allows investigators to record their interviews, which can also easily develop transcripts!

What works best in online focus group is that it has a lower-cost alternative to in-person focus groups and it increase efficiency. However, the things that doesn't work well is that the results are highly subjective to the interpretation of the moderator and researchers involved in the interviews

One thing I have heard is that the interaction in video focus groups is not as spontaneous, so that it takes more probing and questioning from the moderator than is typical for in-person groups.

Does anyone have any experience with this issue?

David L Morgan,

I can see your points. In fact, my strategy was to provide equal opportunities to share their voices. The longest focus group online was about 4 hours and I tried to ask questions and make them have mutual conversations with one another. I feel the focus group interview was successful. One key concern was, of course, there were some participants who seemed hesitant to share their opinions in public. Some also seemed easily swayed by emotions, but I encouraged them to share their opinions as much as possible.

Benjamin H. Nam can you say more about your strategy "to provide equal opportunities to share their voices?"

Hi again, it is pretty much similar to general in-depth conversations. For example, when one person shares his/her opinions, others also listen to the person, thus, I naturally promote conversations among the participants. At times, I ask 'What about you?' or 'Is there anyone who has different stories or ideas about...?'. I don't interrupt their speaking but balance the time and the length of their speaking.

Having just a few people and asking them beforehand if they are ok with using online technologies.