Risks
Benefits
Background
Random
100
How is privacy at risk for these online support groups?
Computers can be hacked, voice or video chat can be secretly recorded, private info can be given away through a username or email address.
100
How is "convenience" a benefit to online support groups?
Patients do not have to travel to participate in an online support group. This is a crucial factor when considering rare diseases where the travel distance to an on-site support group would be unreasonable.In addition,members may not have a car or ride to a group, or live in an isolated geographical area.
100
Where do 37 million people in the United States seek out health related questions and answers?
online
100
Which is more effective, chat & email or webcams?
Chat and emails.
200
What happens to nonverbal communication during an online chat?
Important non-verbal cues are lost and sometimes messages are misunderstood without the aid of tone, gesture, or facial expression.
200
How is anonymity a benefit of online support groups?
Many members who might be hesitant or shy to communicate in face to-face setting report feeling freer to communicate in this anonymous “faceless” environment.Some people worry about being judged.
200
What fraction of online activity is devoted to health and fitness?
1/4
200
What is the difference between synchronous communication and asynchronous communication?
Synchronous- a chat room where multiple users can log on, the messages they type appearing in real time. Asynchronous- individuals send emails to a common address, which are automatically forwarded to everybody on a list.
300
How is "equipment" a risk?
Members must own a computer or at least have internet access. Some people cannot afford this due to low income or over the top medical bills.
300
How is cost a benefit of online support groups?
It is cheaper than face-to-face contact and some websites offer free support.
300
When did online support groups start?
Earliest date is 1982.
300
How many support groups does Yahoo!Groups have?
Close to 25,000.
400
How is leadership at risk in an online support group?
Leaders have less control over an online group. If a conflict arises members could disregard the leader and the conflict could blow up and never get resolved.
400
What kinds of online support groups can you find?
ANY. Groups range from "Chronic Headaches" to "Depression".
400
Who sets up online support groups?
Most are set up by individuals (Peer types) with problems rather than by healthcare professionals (Professional types), which means what they cover and who they are for is defined by the users, not clinicians.
400
How are different ways people can be in a support group online?
blogs, chats, webcam, email, forums
500
How is personal contact and emotional relationships at risk?
Members will never get to have physical contact with one another, which are times that they could bond and form a more trusting relationship. (Smoking after group)
500
What action while engaging in an online support group is therapeutic?
The physical act of typing out feelings is in itself therapeutic.
500
Which is more popular, online individual therapy or online group therapy?
Individual therapy.
500
What does the future hold for online support groups?
With increasing funds people can communicate all over the world and share strategies and hopefully develop better treatment options.
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