Use Of Online Social Networks To Discuss Medical Conditions Increasing

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Use Of Online Social Networks To Discuss Medical Conditions

Increasing

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/medicalnews.php?newsid=60051

Two newspapers recently published articles addressing the increased

use of online social networking for health care. Summaries appear

below.

Philadelphia Inquirer: People with cancer and other illnesses are

forming " unprecedented networks of connection, news and potentially

lifesaving details " through online journals, blogs and discussion

boards, the Philadelphia Inquirer reports. Such " intimate yet

informal " support groups offer an opportunity for people with

serious illnesses to gain insights into others' experiences and

receive information that physicians might not be able to provide,

according to the Inquirer. Researchers say communicating directly

with people who have similar diseases can significantly improve the

quality of life for seriously ill people (Wagh, Philadelphia

Inquirer, 12/25/06).

Wall Street Journal: Social-networking technology is allowing

advocacy groups, health care providers and government agencies to

provide consumers with updated health information and deliver

personalized health awareness messages, the Wall Street Journal

reports. According to the Journal, increased use of social

networking and health care blogging has led to the beginning of a

movement to establish standards and guidelines for " open media " in

health care (Landro, Wall Street Journal, 12/27/06).