Online Social Support: The Interplay of Social Networks and Compu ...

Data for this research are based on SOL-Cancer’s archived discussions containing the contents and logs of all posts and replies. Permission to use the SOL-Cancer Forum discussion archives was given by the owner of the archive and members of the Forum. IRB approval has also been obtained. The sample is made up of discussions that occurred during the first two weeks of March 2000. The owner of the archive granted permission to use any messages posted between the years 1995 and 2000. The year 2000 was chosen because of the proliferation of the Internet in that year compared with the previous years. In addition, choosing the most recent year available increases the likelihood that the sample of individuals interacting on the Forum represents a more diverse population, both demographically and in regard to computer proficiency. The month of March was chosen randomly. In the two-week sample period, 84 members posted a total of 1,149 messages to the Forum. Studies that have analyzed online forums or online support groups have examined records of discussions in intervals ranging from two weeks to one year (Davison, Pennebaker, & Dickerson, 2000; Furlong, 1989; McCormick & McCormick, 1992; Weinberg, Schmale, Uken, & Wessel, 1995; Winzelberg, 1997). A 2-week sample provides ample data for understanding patterns of interactions and the transmission of social support on the Forum given the great volume of messages posted.

Significance of the Study

Having cancer afflict one’s life, whether as a patient, a caregiver, a friend, or a family member, can cause a variety of psychosocial distresses as well as great physical discomfort. Patients and caregivers can feel socially isolated and lonely because of limited mobility and the lack of peers who experience and understand the disease in a similar manner. Familial relationships can become strained because of the many emotional, physical, and financial burdens that stem from the disease.