Articles on depression in American medical websites: an analysis based on appraisal theory

The perfection of medical information system, the expertise and credibility its contents are great importance since an increasing number people rely on online information. Based Appraisal Theory, this paper selected 14 articles depression (abbreviated as OMDD) from four American websites (APS, Mayo Clinic, WebMD, Everyday Health), describing distribution resources analysing interaction between article writers putative readers. finds that WebMD uses many Concur rhetorical questions to predict readers’ “hkemindedness” with writers. Clinic’s introduction includes a lot Dialogistic Expansive resources, suggesting readers “persuadable”. Health persuades accept certain treatment though writers’ own feelings introducing voice doctors. APS employs Attributive provide latest research achievements so encourage them conduct further research. adopt different strategies realize their interpersonal meanings, which provides reference for other health communication platforms.