The Benefits of Online Support
Kevin Wright, Ph.D., a researcher at the University of Memphis, has studied online groups that deal with cancer. Wright, whose mother's death of breast cancer several years ago sparked his interest in online support for cancer patients, has found numerous benefits in online support. “Online communication allows people to interact with a diverse network of people dealing with similar issues,” Wright said.
“In our face-to-face networks, we tend to communicate with people who are very similar to us. But when we are faced with an issue such as cancer, we may find that people in our closest networks may no longer be able to identify with what we are facing on an emotional level.”
According to Wright, privacy is another important benefit of online support. “Other benefits include the ability to safely disclose information to people who are removed from someone's primary social network. Years ago, communication scholars found that people typically will only disclose sensitive information when they know people extremely well. However, there is one exception. For example, sometimes when people meet others on airplanes, buses, etc., they will disclose highly sensitive and intimate information since there is little risk that they will see the person again.”
Wright continued, “The same thing is true in online support groups. If you are talking to an anonymous person with cancer who lives on the other side of the country, it is doubtful that you will ever meet this person face-to-face. People in online groups have mentioned to me in my studies that they like the ability to disclose sensitive information about themselves in a relatively risk-free environment.”
Online support groups are, Wright noted, “relatively risk-free environments.” He said cancer patients can “sound off about problems without feeling like they are placing an excessive burden on others.” The researcher believes that “the opposite seems to be true in closer face-to-face networks.”
Finally, Wright said the Internet provides cancer patients with a vast deal of informational support. For example, if you pose a question or concern on a message board, you may receive a great deal of information – personal experience and links to professional websites, information, etc.”
Ultimately, Wright said he believes people with cancer who seek support online are “looking for people with similar problems who will understand their feelings and concerns.”
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With HOPE & LIFE For ALL.......
Stan
Soft-Tissue Sarcoma (MFH) Survivor Since 2000