The Positive Effect of Online Depression Communities

Challenging the Internet Paradox: Online Depression Communities and Well-Being  

Galit Nimrod, Ben-Gurion - University of the Negev, Israel

Abstract: This cross-sectional study aimed to explore the association between the intensity of participation in online depression communities and the benefits users gain from participation. The study was based on an online survey of 631 users in 16 English language-based online depression communities. Results indicated that there were several differences between heavy, medium and light users with regard to their participation patterns, but they did not differ in their background characteristics and hardly varied in their interests. There were also no differences between the groups in their level of depression. However, there were many significant differences in perceived benefits gained, which demonstrated that heavy users reported receiving emotional support online and experiencing offline improvement more than medium and light users, and medium users reported these benefits more than light users. These findings suggest that contrary to some previous arguments regarding possible adverse consequences of intensive Internet use, heavy use of online depression communities is associated with positive results. Thus, it may even contribute to the general well-being of people with depression. Future research of the various associations between Internet use and psychological well-being should examine specific online activities, and explore diverse audiences including disadvantaged populations.

Full article available at the International Journal of Internet Science website. 

Review 

“This study explores the intensity of participation in online depression communities and the benefits users gain from participation (Nimrod , Gurion – 2013)”.  In doing this it sheds a positive light on the use of online media, arguing that “heavy use of online depression communities is associated with positive results” (Nimrod , Gurion – 2013) as well as opposing the view that the use of online media has a negative effect on the mental health of individuals.

One of the purposes of this study is to challenge the ‘Internet Paradox’ which argues that, even though online media can be used for social interaction, it reduces social involvement and that a lack of social involvement leads to depression among heavy users. The study challenges this idea this by showing that many individuals are using online media to enhance their mental health and wellbeing. These findings are based on an online survey which was completed by 1000 members from 16 reputable online depression communities. Of these, 631 surveys were analysed, after screening out questionnaires with unsigned the consent forms, questionnaires with less than 80% of the questions answered and those completed by respondents who identified themselves as “newcomers to the community from which they were referred to the survey”.

One of the most salient findings of this this study was the lack of significant difference between the level of depression observed in those who identified themselves as ‘heavy users of online depression communities’ (respondents who claim to use online depression communities on a daily-basis) those who identified themselves as medium users (weekly users i.e., “between one and four times a week”) and those who identified themselves as light users (others i.e., those who use online depression communities less than once a week”. As well as a lack of difference in the level of depression between the three identified segments, the results did not show any significant difference in the background characteristics (age, gender, economic status, education, family status, health perception, and state of residence). Despite the significant lack of in difference between depression levels of heavy, medium and light users, the ‘level of benefit’ reported by heavy users was significantly higher than that reported by medium and light users and the ‘level of benefit’ reported by medium users was significantly higher than that of than light users. According to the research team “The fact that the heavy users were not more depressed than medium and light users, but at the same time reported more improvement in their condition (e.g., more hope and better coping) suggests that had they not participated in the communities, they would have suffered a higher level of depression.”  Other studies that where mentioned, show how users of  online depression communities “felt less isolated the community provided them with help and understanding, an outlet for expression, and a place to turn when alone, and that participation was a process that led to a sense of relief and to a change in their lives” ( Alexander, Peterson, & Hollingshead, 2003, Barak, 2007).

Galit Nimrod, Ben-Gurion’s study suggests that “for participants in online depression communities, the “Internet paradox” does not exist.” Instead, it argues that the use of online media can have a very positive effect on the mental health of individuals.

Reference 

Galit Nimrod, Ben-Gurion - Challenging the Internet Paradox: Online Depression Communities and Well-Being  University of the Negev, Israel - 2013

Alexander S.C , Peterson, J.L  & Hollingshead A. - Help is at your keyboard: support groups on the 

Internet - Group communication in context 2nd edition- 2003

Barak A. - Emotional support and suicide prevention through the Internet: A field project report. 

Computers in Human Behavior - 2007