Online Support Groups
Share Emotional Support and Practical Information Via the Internet
Aug 30, 2009
The popularity of the internet as a vehicle for communication and social interaction has helped online support groups become a medium for this important exchange of information. The attractiveness of online support groups stems from their ease of access, variety and therapeutic nature. Vibrant and caring online communities offer a unique opportunity to increase knowledge, alleviate feelings of isolation and increase emotional support.
Online Support Groups vs. Traditional Support Groups
Traditional support groups meet face-to-face on a scheduled basis and are usually led by a professional moderator, according to Mary Randall, author of Support Groups: What They Are and What They Do. The members are those who have similar experiences and shared information needs.
Online support groups are known by various names: online support communities, online self-help groups and internet support groups. Traditional and online support groups provide the same level and type of support yet online support groups take place in cyberspace, are anonymous and are guided by the participants themselves on an unlimited basis.
Online Support Groups Thrive on the Internet
According to, Susannah Fox, author of Online Health Research, for the Pew Institute for Internet Research, in 2009, the majority of our society’s social interactions now take place online in a constantly evolving Internet community where 90 million people visited flourishing online support groups. Group members searched for information on a vast variety of topics including diet, parenting, medical and mental health issues.
John Grohol is the creator of Psych Central, an online self-help community providing mental health information, online therapy and online self-help communities since 1995. According to Dr. Grohol, Interview for Suite101, the internet has transformed mental health services. In his capacity as the leader of one of the largest and most respected psychology based internet communities, Dr. Grohol, has directly experienced the positive experiences associated with online support systems and credits the online support groups for demystifying mental health disorders symptoms and treatments through the exchange of ideas.
Online Support Groups are Popular and Beneficial
The open accessibility of the Internet makes the communication that takes place in online support groups flow easily without the constraints that can occur in face-to-face communication.
- Ease of Access – Online support groups are not constrained by day or time. Individuals, who share information needs, in different cities, states or countries can still be connected with the click of a mouse. The lack of mobility or inability to travel is no longer an issue.
- Variety of Groups – With the vast array of online support communities available, people with rare diseases can find an exact group to meet and explore their shared needs leading to new research and treatments.
- Communication Methods – Online communication can occur immediately or intermittently. Participation is anonymous; Race, ethnicity, educational and economical attainment are unknown, resulting in honest, unfettered communication. Communicating through writing instead of speaking allows for both introverted and extroverted members to contribute on an equal basis.
What are Good Online Groups and How Do You Find an Online Support Group?
The online support group should be vibrant, with up-to-date and consistent posts that are characterized by quality and thoughtfulness, according to the Mental Health Clearing House. Appropriate guidelines detailing acceptable and unacceptable community behavior are also essential in creating a supportive and safe environment..
Peer support is key to online support, however, groups that provide some access to a professional can be beneficial. This can be accomplished by offering access to an advising professional or by being linked with an association like, CancerCare, a well-respected national group. Other important questions to consider are, is the group caring and concerned, are they non-judgmental and are they selling the members unnecessary products or medicine?
It is important to recognize the possible disadvantages as well. Online conversations may get off topic and complaints instead of resolutions may dominate the discussion without a professional moderator. Privacy is a concern, with personal postings infinitely existing in cyberspace. Misinformation is also a problem that could occur if information is not viewed objectively. The anonymity of the online experience could lead to untruthful or angry posts causing a negative affect on the therapeutic interaction.
The best way to find an online group is to ask your doctor or therapist who can often provide recommendations. Government and non-profit websites like the, American Self Help Mental Clearinghouse, can provide valuable assistance.
Referrals from online peers who already frequent potential online support groups are helpful. Once a possible group is located, observing their posts and interactions before commitment is also recommended.
Online Support Groups are About Connectivity
Online support groups are thriving due to their emphasis on sharing ideas and experiences in our increasingly popular online world. Participating in this online society can be a valuable and essential experience when potential members appreciate the positive and nurturing environment these online communities can provide.
Sources:
- Randall, Mary. Support Groups: What They Are and What They Do. 4 December 2003. Genetic Health. 5 Sep 2009.
- Fox, Susannah. Online Health Search 2006. 29 October 2006. Pew Internet Research. 3 Sept. 2009.
- American Self-Help Clearinghouse, 1993-2009.
- Auguste, Margaret. Interview with Dr, John Grohol. PsychCentral, New Jersey. 8 Sept. 2009.
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