Usage of Facebook- and Anonymous Forum–Based Peer Support Groups Online and Their Influence on Perceived Social Support Types in Weight Loss

摘要

This paper contributes to the discussion on healthbehavior change support systems by examining one ofthe persuasive software features, social support. Thepaper studies the influence of structural social supporton functional social support types in the onlineenvironment. Specifically, the paper examines thefrequency of using two different kinds of online socialplatforms (online forums and Facebook groups) thatare used to facilitate peer social support in weight lossand their influence on perceived functional socialsupport types (emotional, informational, andinstrumental). The results show that frequent use ofFacebook based support peer group facilitatesperceived emotional, informational, and instrumentalsupport, whereas frequent use of online forum basedpeer support group facilitates emotional andinformational support but much less than Facebooksupport group usage does. Thus, modifying the supportplatform makes it possible to influence perceivedfunctional social support.