Health-related Support Groups on the Internet: Linking Empirical Findings to Social Support and Computer-mediated Communication Theory

2003 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 39-54 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kevin B. Wright ◽  
Sally B. Bell ◽  
Kevin B. Wright ◽  
Sally B. Bell
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Support Groups ◽  
Communication Theory ◽  
Computer Mediated Communication ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Mediated Communication ◽  
Computer Mediated ◽  
Health Related

Identity Theories and Technology

2013 ◽  
pp. 26-44 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert Andrew Dunn
Keyword(s):  
Communication Theory ◽  
Computer Mediated Communication ◽  
Role Play ◽  
Multiple Identities ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Mediated Communication ◽  
Virtual Identity ◽  
Computer Mediated ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Modern Identity

Modern identity has been shaped by technology, which has in turn shaped theories in understanding identity. How one communicates who they are to others is given limitless possibilities by the advent of the Internet and computer-mediated environments. Thus, identity theory today must take into account computer-mediated communication theory and research. Such research indicates four ways in which identity is affected by technology. First, researchers have discussed the differences between an individual’s true identity and the virtual identity he or she presents, via self-selected text and images, to an online world. Second, researchers have discussed how the Internet can provide both protective anonymity for those who seek it and cathartic disclosure for those who need it. Third, researchers have discussed ways in which users pursue both reflective virtual lives online and role-play with identities, often multiple identities. Fourth, researchers have conducted experiments that reflect the impact that virtual identity has on the practice of communication and the impact communication has on the presentation of the self.

scholarly journals Language Style Matching as a Predictor of Perceived Social Support in Computer-Mediated Interaction Among Individuals Coping With Illness

2015 ◽  
Vol 43 (5) ◽  
pp. 694-712 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephen A. Rains
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Support Groups ◽  
Computer Mediated Communication ◽  
Online Support Groups ◽  
Mediated Communication ◽  
Language Style ◽  
Computer Mediated ◽  
Reported Study ◽  
Coping With Illness ◽  
Language Style Matching

Several forms of computer-mediated communication (e.g., online support groups, blogs, social network sites) have been shown to be important resources for social support among individuals coping with illness. The reported study attempts to better understand social support processes in these settings by examining the implications of language style matching—a form of interpersonal coordination involving the degree to which speakers match one another’s use of function words (e.g., articles, prepositions, pronouns). Language style matching among a sample of health bloggers and their readers over a 3-month period was tested as a predictor of bloggers’ perceptions of support available from their readers. The results show that language style matching contributed to bloggers’ perceptions that their readers are willing and able to serve as a resource for specific forms of social support.

Real or Not Real?

2020 ◽  
pp. 307-326
Author(s):  
Jeanine W. Turner ◽  
James D. Robinson ◽  
Alexandra McCarthy
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Empirical Research ◽  
Mobile Technology ◽  
Computer Mediated Communication ◽  
Future Research ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Mediated Communication ◽  
Simulated Environments ◽  
Computer Mediated ◽  
Psychobiological Approach

This chapter examines the connections between computer-mediated communication (CMC) and physiology. Given that the study of CMC began in the late 1970s during the explosion of the Internet and use of email, there is limited empirical research available supporting this association. However, research within the areas of social support, telemedicine, channel use, online writing, and simulated environments provides a foundation for how best to approach investigating the link between physiology and CMC. We begin by exploring how scholars theoretically examine CMC through the cues-filtered-out approach (Culnan & Markus, 1987; Sproull & Kiesler, 1986), the hyperpersonal approach (Walther, 1996), presence (Lombard & Ditton, 1997), the psychobiological approach (Kock, 2004), and technological fit (Goodhue & Thompson, 1995). We then consider the physiological consequences of CMC as it relates to social support, telemedicine, and mobile technology. We conclude by considering future research opportunities.

Online social support groups

2012 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martin Tanis
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Support Groups ◽  
Computer Mediated Communication ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Social Consequences ◽  
The Body ◽  
Mediated Communication ◽  
Online Social Support ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Computer Mediated

To give and receive social support is an important aspect of social interaction, and since the Internet has become more and more integrated with everyday life, it is no surprise that much social support is exchanged online. Features of computer-mediated communication (CMC) offer possibilities for social support in a manner that would be less easy or even impossible in a face-to-face context. This article focuses on three key elements that are often mentioned when social consequences of CMC are discussed: the possibility to communicate relatively anonymously, the text-based character, and the opportunities it provides for expanding social networks without being hindered by time and space barriers. It addresses how these may affect support seeking, and argues that interacting in online social support groups holds great potential for people who seek support, but may also contain some potential hazards. However, even though the body of research is growing, we still know fairly little about how online social-support groups affect the well-being of people who are in need of support.

What You Say and Where You Say It Matter: Effects of Facebook Message Publicity and Support Type on Evaluation of Support Message Quality

2021 ◽  
pp. 089443932110073
Author(s):  
Yining Malloch ◽  
Bo Feng
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Emotional Support ◽  
Communication Channel ◽  
Computer Mediated Communication ◽  
Communication Model ◽  
Mediated Communication ◽  
Message Type ◽  
Computer Mediated ◽  
Tangible Support ◽  
The Impact

Guided by the masspersonal communication model, this study examined the impact of the communication channel (masspersonal vs. interpersonal) and support message type on evaluation of social support message quality in Facebook settings. An online factorial experiment with 480 participants revealed that support messages sent through interpersonal channels (e.g., private messaging) were perceived as higher in quality than those sent through masspersonal channels (e.g., status update). Regardless of channels, participants considered tangible support messages as higher quality than informational and emotional support messages. Implications for computer-mediated communication and social support theories and practices were discussed.

scholarly journals Catch 22: The Paradox of Social Media Affordances and Stigmatized Online Support Groups

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 205630512098447
Author(s):  
Daphna Yeshua-Katz ◽  
Ylva Hård af Segerstad
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Support Groups ◽  
Computer Mediated Communication ◽  
Research Literature ◽  
Discussion Board ◽  
Online Support Groups ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Mediated Communication ◽  
The Public ◽  
Computer Mediated

This study highlights the challenges of computer-mediated communication for vulnerable individuals and groups, by studying boundary work in stigmatized communities online. Five stigmatized online communities with different affordances were studied: (1) “pro-ana” blogs; (2) an infertility discussion board; (3) a Facebook group for bereaved parents; and (4) two WhatsApp groups for Israeli veterans of war with post-traumatic stress disorder. In-depth interviews with members and administrators ( n = 66) revealed that social media affordances such as low anonymity and high visibility may marginalize those living with stigma. While research literature applauds social media for allowing the formation and maintenance of social capital, our study highlights the paradox caused by these very same affordances. To offer safe and functioning environments of support, the communities must guard against impostors whose presence threatens their safe havens. Simultaneously, this may make these groups inaccessible to those who truly need support and remove such groups from the public eye.

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