What are the advantages and disadvantages of online support groups? The article I read covered this topic and provided some answers to the question. I thought this was an excellent article to share with all of you because I have noticed many of our fellow employees expressing their concerns about blogging. I know that online support groups and blogging can be two different methods of communicating over the World Wide Web. However, I'm fairly certain that these online support groups are designed in a very similar manner as a blog.
The author of this article, Mary Ann Bell, gave several examples of when she personally used online support groups to get her through tough situations in the past. She found that the support groups she used were very useful and she discovered that the groups were extremely effective. She completed her own survey by asking others that had experience with online support groups whether or not their experiences were worth while. The majority of the responses were positive. The author also conducted some research finding many benefits to online support groups. Ms. Bell provided some negative aspects of using online support groups such as the possibility of group members misrepresenting themselves and overly negative groups. Mary Bell's final statement in her article "Online support groups are examples of positive uses of the Internet whose benefits greatly outweigh possible problems." concluded her findings.
References Bell, Mary Ann. "Celebrating Communicating: Online Support Groups." MultiMedia & Internet@Schools 14.4 (July 2007): 37-38. http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=aph&AN=25912210&site=ehost-live>
4 comments:
Chance
This is an interesting article, I have one question for you.
When you mention that some people may be "misrepresenting" themselves, do you think that they are presenting themselves as experts in a certain field when they are not?
Viki
Chance
Interesting article. The nerve of some people. Misrepresenting themselves online. It is my personal opinion that, while it might be easier online, people misrepresent themselves all the time. Overstating their ability or their knowledge in an area. It is ultimately up to each of us to ensure that we look for more than one opinion, heck, more than two or three...to ensure that we are heading in the right direction. Most importantly, just cause someone said it, don't make it true. Do good effective and reliable research to support you findings.
Alan
Interesting article. I think the possibility that someone may be misrepresenting themselves is something that needs to be taken into account, as Alan said. All in all, the idea of online support groups seems like a very conducive way allow for feedback and constructive criticism. I am personally fairly fond of it.
I thought that this article very helpful for me. In these last few weeks I have bben seaching for a online cancer support group becuase I feel that in house support groups are way too formal for my taste. Thank you for giving me hope and the courage to continue to search for a support group
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