A research team led by Professor Tom Postmes , an internationally renowned expert in social effects of online interaction, with the University of Exeter has set up a research study to investigate the effects of online social support. Specifically they are looking at the kinds of support people seek and benefit derived from these online forums.
The researchers note that although an increasing number of people participate in online forums that provide medical information and help along with social support, a recent article in the British Medical Journal entitled Health related virtual communities and electronic support groups: Systematic review of the effects of online peer to peer interactions concluded that our understanding of the effects among users is currently very limited. This study, unlike previous research, focuses on the social benefits of online communities. This research is important because:
- In healthcare, there is a growing awareness of these forums, but no clear idea of how they can supplement existing facilities of care and support. Although they regularly refer patients to knowledge bases (e.g., patient.co.uk in this country) GPs do not typically advise their patients to seek support online, these results may show this as an oversight.
- The results may also enable the design of better support systems due to the fact that they help research and practitioners better understand what users like and benefit from.
- And, from the perspective of social psychology there are interesting questions about social support in online contexts. How does the web transform how we relate to others? How are online communities sustained?
However, in order for these benefits to be realized and these questions to be answered, the researchers need your help. They share, “We rely on the willingness of site users to participate. The questionnaire is completely anonymous, complies with BPS ethics guidelines, and has been passed by the University ethics committee. The questionnaire is short and designed to be as non-intrusive as possible.” To participate, please click on the following link: How do people use medical information and support on the internet?
