Exploring the participation of young citizen scientists in scientific research: The case of iNaturalist

Online citizen science projects have broadened options for accessing and enabled different forms of participation in scientific research adult young volunteers. Yet, little is known regarding patterns among youth participants. Quantitative approaches were used to investigate the contribution 183 volunteers on iNaturalist platform behaviour that relates their contribution. The participants accessed as part one-day field-based events (bioblitzes) facilitated by museums. Compared observation all users, documented platform, observe fewer plants birds, more molluscs, arachnids insects. average daily contributions found be positively associated with a large proportion active days systematic behaviour, yet negatively related long duration platform. This study enhances our understanding volunteers’ provides insights online science. Our findings implications how museums design encourage follow-up maintain