Online support groups have become a familiar feature of the Internets landscape. The ability of computer-mediated communication to provide support effectively remains an open question, and this book provides a much needed understanding of the kinds of social support in an online support group.

Online support groups have become a familiar feature of the Internets landscape. The ability of computer-mediated communication to provide support effectively remains an open question, and this book provides a much needed understanding of the kinds of social support in an online support group.

Social Support and Health in the Digital Age discusses how theinformation age has revolutionized nearly every facet of human communication—from the ways in which people purchase products to how they meet and fall in love. These exciting new communication technologies can both unite and divide us. People who are separated by great distances can now communicate with each other in real time, whereas parents often find themselves competing with smartphones and tablets for their children’s attention. This book explores the many ways that digital communication media, such as online forums, social networking sites, and mobile applications, enhance and constrain social support in health-related contexts. We already know a great deal about how the Internet has altered how people search for health information, but less about how people seek and receive social support in this new age of information, which is critical for maintaining our physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing.

"This book provides interdisciplinary perspectives utilizing a variety of research methods to uncover the fundamental components of computer-mediated communication (i.e., language, interpersonal relations/communication and information technology) which will be discussed in the following section"--Provided by publisher.