Social interaction in online support groups: Preference for online social interaction over offline social interaction

Keywords: Online support group Supportive communication E-health Computer-mediated communication Preference for online social interaction Internet a b s t r a c t The purpose of the current study was to identify potential factors leading to preference for social interaction in online support groups (OSGs) over offline inter action. By identifying such factors, the current study advances understanding of the way patients use the Internet as a supportive resource and integrate support from offline and online relationships. An online survey was conducted with current users of health-r elated OSGs (N = 158). Findings show that those who were dissatisfied with the support they received from their current offline contacts were more likely to prefer social interaction in OSGs. Such a preference was prominent among those who built deeper social relationships in OSGs. Results suggest that some people develop a preference for social inter action in OSGs over offline interaction and use computer -med iated relationships as a possible alternative to offline support networks. Healthcare professionals and users as well as designers of OSGs must acknowledge the limits of online support and caution against the possibility of developing excessive reliance on online support resources. With the rapid growth of Internet and computer-medi ated communication over the last decade, online support groups (OSGs) have become a new venue for social support. Health-relat ed OSGs have proliferated on the Internet and have become an important source for information and support for many people (Turner, Grube, & Meyers, 2001). According to Pew Internet, about 60% of those who search the Internet for health information use online social media (Fox, 2009). In another recent survey, about a third of people diagnosed with chronic health conditions reported visiting OSGs devoted to their health issues (Annenberg National Health Communication Survey, 2008). In these OSGs, patients seek and share information and knowledge about illness and discuss feelings and Many studies have shown the benefits OSGs bring to patients: They feel empowered through the processes of sharing emotions, reading others' experiences, building social relationshi ps, and acquiring information and skills related to illness managemen t and treatment (Barak, Boniel-Nissi m, & Suler, 2008; van Uden-Kraan et al., 2008). Patients also recover and obtain a sense of normalcy by learning how others have coped with similar issues the nature of relationship s formed online is often short-lived because of frequent turnover in membership (Galston, 2000). In many cases, because of …