Melanotan II User Experience: A Qualitative Study of Online Discussion Forums

Dermatology ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 1-5
Author(s):  
Eimear Gilhooley ◽  
Selene Daly ◽  
Dermot McKenna
Keyword(s):  
Side Effects ◽  
Skin Lesions ◽  
Synthetic Analogue ◽  
Discussion Forums ◽  
Online Forums ◽  
Melanocyte Stimulating Hormone ◽  
Online Discussion Forums ◽  
Dosing Regimens ◽  
Sunbed Use ◽  
Melanotan Ii

<b><i>Background:</i></b> Melanotan II (MT II) is a synthetic analogue of α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone that, via interaction with the melanocortin 1 receptor, induces skin hyperpigmentation. The unregulated acquisition of MT II injections via the internet and other outlets has become popular over the last decades in order to exploit its properties for use as a tanning agent. Due to the covert nature of MT II use, it is difficult to assess the extent of its use among the general population and to characterise any associated side effects. <b><i>Objectives:</i></b> The aim of this study was to qualitatively examine MT II use, as portrayed on online forums, and to explore the motivations for its use and side effect profile. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Data were extracted retrospectively from UK and Ireland online chatrooms and forums from January 2016 to October 2017. Inclusion criteria were active MT II chatrooms and forums considered to be within the public domain. An inductive thematic analysis identified themes within discussion threads. <b><i>Results:</i></b> A total of 623 discussion entries were extracted; 205 participants contributed to these entries. Emergent themes included motivation for MT II use, misinformation in the context of using an unregulated product, product preparation and administration, dosing regimens, sunbed use, side effects and concerning practices associated with MT II use. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> Motivations for MT II use included the pursuit of a tanned appearance, often in anticipation of sun holidays and fitness/body building competitions. Clinicians should be aware not only of the potential risks in relation to pigmented skin lesions, but also remain cognisant of the other medical hazards associated with the use of this substance, namely transmission of infectious diseases, use of potentially contaminated products, polypharmacy, and sunbed exposure.

Digital communities of people with paraphilia: A study of zoophiles

2017 ◽  
Vol 41 (S1) ◽  
pp. s851-s852
Author(s):  
D. Sendler ◽  
M. Lew-Starowicz
Keyword(s):  
Casual Sex ◽  
Discussion Forums ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative Analysis ◽  
Online Forums ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative ◽  
Digital Communities ◽  
Online Discussion Forums ◽  
Social Ostracism ◽  
Village Communities ◽  
Competing Interest

IntroductionAccessibility of the Internet allows people to connect anonymously and without boundaries – features particularly important for people with relatively rare sexual preference such as paraphilia.ObjectivesTo (1) allow for conceptualization and improved management of zoophilic patients in clinical practice or forensic examinations, (2) analyze how zoophiles network using online discussion forums, and (3) describe main goals of digital networking.MethodsA qualitative observational study of user activity (n = 958) on discussion forums, combined with brief demographic survey. Data were analyzed according to principles of grounded theory. Next, surveys of own design (demographic, discreet + open ended questions) were answered by 350 participants. Presented data show aggregate conclusions from mixed methods qualitative and quantitative analysis.ResultsZoophiles (or, zoos) use Internet to connect with other zoophiles (26.6% to have casual sex, 17.7% for dating, and 17% to exchange pornography). Connections are easiest to be established in countryside, where zoophilia clusters. In fact, there are village communities of zoos where explicit sharing of animal sexual partner(s) (28%) and/or voyeurism (30%) serve as bonding ritual. Over 40% of zoophiles are reluctant to meet other zoos in person, since they view them as “weird”, pointing to phenomenon of internalized stigmatization due to having non-normative sexuality. Online forums are also used by zoophiles to exchange information about which districts are at risk of becoming a target of social ostracism.ConclusionsPeople with zoophilia use digital communities to network, meet for sex, find dating partners and for own safety reasons.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

scholarly journals Perceptions and Sentiments About Electronic Cigarettes on Social Media Platforms: Systematic Review (Preprint)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Misol Kwon ◽  
Eunhee Park
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Online Discussion ◽  
Electronic Cigarettes ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Discussion Forums ◽  
Online Forums ◽  
Online Discussion Forums ◽  
Social Media Platforms ◽  
Potential Risks ◽  
People’S Perceptions

BACKGROUND Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) have been widely promoted on the internet, and subsequently, social media has been used as an important informative platform by e-cigarette users. Beliefs and knowledge expressed on social media platforms have largely influenced e-cigarette uptake, the decision to switch from conventional smoking to e-cigarette smoking, and positive and negative connotations associated with e-cigarettes. Despite this, there is a gap in our knowledge of people’s perceptions and sentiments on e-cigarettes as depicted on social media platforms. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to (1) provide an overview of studies examining the perceptions and sentiments associated with e-cigarettes on social media platforms and online discussion forums, (2) explore people’s perceptions of e-cigarette therein, and (3) examine the methodological limitations and gaps of the included studies. METHODS Searches in major electronic databases, including PubMed, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Communication and Mass Media Complete, were conducted using the following search terms: “electronic cigarette,” “electronic vaporizer,” “electronic nicotine,” and “electronic nicotine delivery systems” combined with “internet,” “social media,” and “internet use.” The studies were selected if they examined participants’ perceptions and sentiments of e-cigarettes on online forums or social media platforms during the 2007-2017 period. RESULTS A total of 21 articles were included. A total of 20 different social media platforms and online discussion forums were identified. A real-time snapshot and characteristics of sentiments, personal experience, and perceptions toward e-cigarettes on social media platforms and online forums were identified. Common topics regarding e-cigarettes included positive and negative health effects, testimony by current users, potential risks, benefits, regulations associated with e-cigarettes, and attitude toward them as smoking cessation aids. CONCLUSIONS Although perceptions among social media users were mixed, there were more positive sentiments expressed than negative ones. This study particularly adds to our understanding of current trends in the popularity of and attitude toward e-cigarettes among social media users. In addition, this study identified conflicting perceptions about e-cigarettes among social media users. This suggests that accurate and up-to-date information on the benefits and risks of e-cigarettes needs to be disseminated to current and potential e-cigarette users via social media platforms, which can serve as important educational channels. Future research can explore the efficacy of social media–based interventions that deliver appropriate information (eg, general facts, benefits, and risks) about e-cigarettes. CLINICALTRIAL PROSPERO CRD42019121611; https://tinyurl.com/yfr27uxs

scholarly journals Perceptions and Sentiments About Electronic Cigarettes on Social Media Platforms: Systematic Review

10.2196/13673 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. e13673 ◽  
Author(s):  
Misol Kwon ◽  
Eunhee Park
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Online Discussion ◽  
Electronic Cigarettes ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Discussion Forums ◽  
Online Forums ◽  
Online Discussion Forums ◽  
Social Media Platforms ◽  
Potential Risks ◽  
People’S Perceptions

Background Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) have been widely promoted on the internet, and subsequently, social media has been used as an important informative platform by e-cigarette users. Beliefs and knowledge expressed on social media platforms have largely influenced e-cigarette uptake, the decision to switch from conventional smoking to e-cigarette smoking, and positive and negative connotations associated with e-cigarettes. Despite this, there is a gap in our knowledge of people’s perceptions and sentiments on e-cigarettes as depicted on social media platforms. Objective This study aimed to (1) provide an overview of studies examining the perceptions and sentiments associated with e-cigarettes on social media platforms and online discussion forums, (2) explore people’s perceptions of e-cigarette therein, and (3) examine the methodological limitations and gaps of the included studies. Methods Searches in major electronic databases, including PubMed, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Communication and Mass Media Complete, were conducted using the following search terms: “electronic cigarette,” “electronic vaporizer,” “electronic nicotine,” and “electronic nicotine delivery systems” combined with “internet,” “social media,” and “internet use.” The studies were selected if they examined participants’ perceptions and sentiments of e-cigarettes on online forums or social media platforms during the 2007-2017 period. Results A total of 21 articles were included. A total of 20 different social media platforms and online discussion forums were identified. A real-time snapshot and characteristics of sentiments, personal experience, and perceptions toward e-cigarettes on social media platforms and online forums were identified. Common topics regarding e-cigarettes included positive and negative health effects, testimony by current users, potential risks, benefits, regulations associated with e-cigarettes, and attitude toward them as smoking cessation aids. Conclusions Although perceptions among social media users were mixed, there were more positive sentiments expressed than negative ones. This study particularly adds to our understanding of current trends in the popularity of and attitude toward e-cigarettes among social media users. In addition, this study identified conflicting perceptions about e-cigarettes among social media users. This suggests that accurate and up-to-date information on the benefits and risks of e-cigarettes needs to be disseminated to current and potential e-cigarette users via social media platforms, which can serve as important educational channels. Future research can explore the efficacy of social media–based interventions that deliver appropriate information (eg, general facts, benefits, and risks) about e-cigarettes. Trial Registration PROSPERO CRD42019121611; https://tinyurl.com/yfr27uxs

scholarly journals Students' Impressions on the Effectiveness of Online Discussion Forums

2018 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 86-108
Author(s):  
Beena Vijayavalsalan
Keyword(s):  
Online Discussion ◽  
Learning Experience ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Strong Association ◽  
Thinking Skills ◽  
P Value ◽  
Discussion Forums ◽  
Online Forums ◽  
Online Discussion Forums ◽  
Significant Difference

Purpose: The study has evaluated the effectiveness of online discussion forums among the students of Abu Dhabi University, UAE. Results: The results have shown strong association between positive learning experience and frequency of student participation in discussion forums. However, no statistical significance (p-value=0.306) has been observed among online forums and age of the participants for developing critical thinking skills. Moreover, a significant difference has been identified in students' participation on the effectiveness of online discussion (p-value=0.000). Conclusion: It is concluded that online discussion forums serve as an efficient and effective tool for interaction among the participants.

scholarly journals A virtual academy of polydrug use: Masters, novices and the art of combinations

2018 ◽  
Vol 35 (6) ◽  
pp. 413-427 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kati Kataja ◽  
Jukka Törrönen ◽  
Pekka Hakkarainen ◽  
Christoffer Tigerstedt
Keyword(s):  
Online Discussion ◽  
Positioning Theory ◽  
Online Discussions ◽  
Discussion Forums ◽  
Online Forums ◽  
Polydrug Use ◽  
Online Discussion Forums ◽  
Drug Culture ◽  
Online Setting ◽  
The One

Aims: Information technology has become an essential part of drug culture, providing a platform for lay knowledge concerning drug use. Due to the co-effects of different substances, making substance “combos” requires advanced skills to enhance pleasures and manage risks. In this study, we focussed on Finnish and Swedish online discussions as a context for learning and sharing experiences of combining substances. Methods: Taking influences from positioning theory, we used qualitative methods to map what kinds of mutual interactive positions related to the expertise in polydrug use online discussants take and how these positions are negotiated and reformulated in the online setting. We reflect these results through Howard S. Becker’s theory of social learning, according to which becoming a drug user is a process that occurs in interaction with other users, as the beginners need a model and advice from experienced users in order to claim their place in the users’ community. Results: In online forums, users discuss the risks and pleasures of combining drugs – on the one hand, in relation to different situations and, on the other hand, in relation to different competence positions. This occurs by asking for advice, presenting one’s knowledge, challenging others, repositioning oneself, defending one’s position or proving one’s competence. Conclusion: Online discussion forums constitute a kind of virtual academy where knowledge of the pleasures and risks of combining substances is produced and circulated, and where experienced masters mediate their expertise to less experienced novices.

scholarly journals ‘Hope you find your ‘eureka’ moment soon’: a qualitative study of parents/carers’ online discussions around allergy, allergy tests and eczema

BMJ Open ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (11) ◽  
pp. e022861 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amy Halls ◽  
Dale Nunes ◽  
Ingrid Muller ◽  
Elizabeth Angier ◽  
Kate Grimshaw ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Online Discussions ◽  
Discussion Forums ◽  
Online Forums ◽  
Allergy Testing ◽  
Online Discussion Forums ◽  
Frequent Use ◽  
Accessible Information ◽  
Discussion Threads ◽  
Consistent Information ◽  
Source Of Information

ObjectivesTo explore understandings and concerns surrounding allergy, food intolerances and their potential impact on eczema among parents and carers of children with eczema who had posted messages in online forums.MethodsWe conducted a scoping review for active UK-based discussion forums that did not require password/registration to view posts and identified two parenting discussion forums with high activity and frequent use. We used their internal search functions to identify and export discussion threads relating to allergy and allergy testing for eczema from 2011 to 2016. We carried out an inductive thematic analysis of the 120 exported discussion threads.Results246 pages of text were analysed. Analysis led to three main themes: (1) confusion over the language surrounding ‘allergy’ and ‘intolerance’; (2) diverse beliefs about allergy testing in relation to eczema and (3) parents’ frustrations with perceptions of health professionals as uninterested and unhelpful about allergy testing. Forum users were concerned about immediate and delayed-type allergies but showed confusion in how terms were used, as well as different approaches to testing. Parents sought experiences of others, seeking social support as well as practical guidance.ConclusionsThe confusion around allergy-related terminology and its possible relationship with eczema means that it is essential healthcare professionals are able to signpost parents to accurate, accessible information. The lack of consistent information currently available means parents may use online discussion forums as an important source of information. This study suggests that the confused nature of discussions on these forums is inaccurate at best, and detrimental at worst.

scholarly journals Comparison of chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalopathy with other disorders: an observational study

2012 ◽  
Vol 3 (5) ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ak Knudsen ◽  
Lv Lervik ◽  
Sb Harvey ◽  
Cms Løvvik ◽  
An Omenås ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome ◽  
Observational Study ◽  
Online Discussion ◽  
Chronic Fatigue ◽  
Discussion Forums ◽  
Online Forums ◽  
Online Activity ◽  
Online Discussion Forums ◽  
Fatigue Syndrome ◽  
Level Of Activity

Summary Objectives To examine the level of activity in online discussion forums for chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalopathy (CFS/ME) compared to other disorders. We hypothesized the level of activity to be higher in CFS/ME online discussion forums. Design Observational study Setting Norway, which has more than 80% household coverage in internet access, September 2009 Participants Twelve Norwegian disorder-related online discussion forums Main outcome measures Number of registered users and number of posted messages on each discussion forum Results Two forums were targeted towards individuals with CFS/ME. These forums had the highest number of registered users per estimated 1,000 cases in the population (50.5 per 1,000 and 29.7 per 1,000), followed by a site for drug dependency (5.4 per 1,000). Counting the number of posted messages per 1,000 cases gave similar indications of high online activity in the CFS/ME discussion forums. Conclusions CFS/ME online forums had more than ten times the relative activity of any other disorder or condition related forum. This high level of activity may have multiple explanations. Individuals suffering from a stigmatized condition of unknown aetiology may use the internet to look for explanations of symptoms or to seek out alternative treatments. Internet forum activity may also be reinforced by the creation of in-group identity and pre-morbid personality traits. More knowledge on the type and quality of information provided in online forums is urgently needed.

scholarly journals Accuracy of online discussion forums on common childhood ailments

2018 ◽  
Vol 106 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alison Farrell
Keyword(s):  
Young Children ◽  
Online Discussion ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Discussion Forums ◽  
Online Forums ◽  
Related Data ◽  
Online Discussion Forums ◽  
Time Period ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Google Search

Objectives: The research sought to determine if the health advice provided in online discussion forms aimed at parents of young children is accurate and in agreement with evidence found in evidence-based resources and to discover whether or not these forums are an avenue for misinformation.Methods: To determine which online forums to use, Google was searched using five common childhood ailments. Forums that appeared five or more times in the first five pages of the Google search for each question were considered. Of these forums, those that met the inclusion criteria were used. Data from a six-month time period was collected and categorized from the discussion forums to analyze the advice being provided about common childhood ailments. Evidence-based resources were used to analyze the accuracy of the advice provided.Results: Two discussion forums were chosen for analysis. Seventy-four questions from one and 131 questions from the other were health related. Data were not analyzed together. Of the health-related questions on the 2 forums, 65.5% and 51.8%, respectively, provided some type of advice. Of the advice provided, 54.1% and 47.2%, respectively, agreed with the evidence provided in evidence-based resources. A further 16.2% and 6.3% was refuted or was somewhat refuted by the evidence found in evidence-based resources.Conclusion: While roughly half of the health-related advice provided in online discussion forums aimed at parents of young children is accurate, only a small portion of the advice is incorrect; therefore, these sources are not a major concern for the spread of misinformation.

scholarly journals Investigating (Im)politeness in online forums between English speakers and English as a foreign language learners

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 137-156
Author(s):  
Mohammad Alipour ◽  
Soroor Tajfar
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
Language Learners ◽  
Online Discussion ◽  
English Speakers ◽  
Discussion Forums ◽  
Online Forums ◽  
Efl Learners ◽  
Relational Work ◽  
Foreign Language Learners ◽  
Online Discussion Forums

This study investigated the use of (im)politeness and disagreement in online discussion forums among English speakers and English as a foreign language (EFL) learners. It also explored how internet forum browsers judge (im)politeness and parameters of relational work ((in)appropriateness and negatively/positively marked behaviour) in disagreement. Three hundred and sixty disagreement responses were analysed following a list of disagreement strategies. The most frequent strategy applied by English speakers was 'making scornful and humiliating statements', while EFL learners used 'showing unmitigated disagreement' and 'showing smileys' as the highest and lowest ones. Most of the strategies used by English speakers were judged as polite and appropriate, but neither negatively nor positively marked, while 13 types of EFL strategies were considered as polite, but neither appropriate and positively marked nor inappropriate and negatively marked. Further, the three parameters had positive relationships with one another. This study provides worthwhile information for improving teaching communication skills in EFL courses. Keywords: (Im)Politeness, disagreement, English as a foreign language learners, interactional and discursive approach, online forum

scholarly journals A focused netnographic study exploring experiences associated with counterfeit and contaminated anabolic androgenic steroids

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Evelyn Frude ◽  
Fiona McKay ◽  
Matthew Dunn
Keyword(s):  
Primary Source ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Discussion Forums ◽  
Online Forums ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Product Analysis ◽  
Counterfeit Product ◽  
Online Discussion Forums ◽  
Search Terms ◽  
Androgenic Steroids

Abstract Background: A primary consequence of illicit drug markets and the absence of regulation is the variable quality or purity of the final product. Analysis of anabolic-androgenic steroid seizures shows that these products can contain adulterated products, product not included on the label, or product of unsatisfactory standard. While the potential negative effects of counterfeit AAS use is a recognised risk associated with use, no study has explored personal experiences associated with use. The aim of the present study was to use online discussion forums to investigate and explore the experiences associated with the purchase and consumption of counterfeit AAS among consumers.Methods: An online search was conducted to identify online forums that discussed counterfeit or contaminated AAS; three were deemed suitable for the study. The primary source of data for this study were the ‘threads’ from these online forums, identified using search terms including ‘counterfeit’, ‘tampered’, and ‘fake’. Threads were thematically analysed for overall content, leading to the identification of themes.Results: Data from 134 threads (2743 posts from 881 unique avatars) was included. Two main themes were identified from the analysis: 1) Experiences with counterfeit product; and 2) Harms and benefits associated with counterfeit product.Conclusions: The use of counterfeit or contaminated substances represents a public health concern. Those who report using PIEDs such as AAS for non-medical purposes report consuming these substances, and experiencing harm as a result. Consumers take steps to limit coming into contact with counterfeit or contaminated product, though recognise that many of these have limitations. The implementation of accessible drug safety checking services may provide an opportunity to provide consumers with information to assist them with making healthier choices.

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