Untitled - socium.ge

e-health networks and social transformations 303apply cultural or generational norms and customs (Burhansstipanov et al.,2001; Hanson et al., 2002). Empathy is stronger in online support and patientgroups, especially in moderated ones, than in other kinds of discussion groups(Preece and Ghozati, 2001). As many online support groups are peer-moderatedrather than professionally moderated, Till (2003) suggests that veteranmembers or survivors often function as tacit but highly effective peer navigators.Partially because of the lack of moderation by medical experts, however,Culver et al. (1997: 471) concluded that online support groups are a mixtureof “snake oil” and “self-help,” preventing appropriate diagnosis and treatment(see Rice, 2001).Aspden and Katz (2001) note that 73 percent of health seekers discuss theirInternet information with others. For example, online users report medicaldata from the Journal of the American Medical Association and Medline toeach other as persuasive techniques in support groups (Wikgren, 2001).Paterniti et al. (1999) evaluated postings on breast cancer-focused computerbulletin board systems, and found that participants discussed strategies forhealth seeking and worked together to make decisions on clinical recommendationsand treatment options. Sharf (1997) studied an online breast-cancerdiscussion group and concluded that it was a powerful force in informationexchange, social support, and personal empowerment.While support groups appear to heal the soul and feed the mind, there issome evidence about the crucial question of whether they help to heal the bodyas well. While, at most, only 9 percent of health seekers have participated inan online support group of any sort, those that have do report notable benefits(Celio et al., 2000; McKay et al., 2001; Pew, 2002). These benefits mayinclude reductions in depression, cancer-related trauma, and perceived stress;these were the benefits that accrued among 72 women with primary breastcarcinoma participating in a 12-week web-based support group (Winzelberg etal., 2003). McKay et al. (2001) found that patients taking part in an onlinediabetes education and support group saw their blood glucose levels loweredmore than those in the control group. Likewise, in a randomized controlledtrial, participants in a back pain e-mail discussion group noted significantimprovements in pain, disability, role function, and health distress, comparedto a control group (Lorig et al., 2002). In a controlled experiment comparingInternet and classroom-delivered psychoeducational interventions for eatingdisorders, Celio et al. (2000) found that measures of body image and eatingdisorders were significantly reduced in the Internet group in comparison to theclassroom group. These studies suggest that the Internet is not only an equalto face-to-face support groups, but may produce beneficial and unique results.Overall, online support groups had some benefits not found in face-to-facerelations, including seeming anonymity, which moderated inhibitions towarddiscussing sensitive topics, and around-the-clock access (Rice, 2001).