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Online Communities. Benefits and Risks: A Literature Review

Online Communities. Benefits and Risks: A Literature Review

Elena Graziani, Fausto Petrini
Copyright: © 2018 |Volume: 8 |Issue: 2 |Pages: 13
ISSN: 2156-1818|EISSN: 2156-180X|EISBN13: 9781522545941|DOI: 10.4018/IJUDH.2018070101
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MLA

Graziani, Elena, and Fausto Petrini. "Online Communities. Benefits and Risks: A Literature Review." IJUDH vol.8, no.2 2018: pp.1-13. http://doi.org/10.4018/IJUDH.2018070101

APA

Graziani, E. & Petrini, F. (2018). Online Communities. Benefits and Risks: A Literature Review. International Journal of User-Driven Healthcare (IJUDH), 8(2), 1-13. http://doi.org/10.4018/IJUDH.2018070101

Chicago

Graziani, Elena, and Fausto Petrini. "Online Communities. Benefits and Risks: A Literature Review," International Journal of User-Driven Healthcare (IJUDH) 8, no.2: 1-13. http://doi.org/10.4018/IJUDH.2018070101

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Abstract

This article reviews empirical studies from 2008 to 2017 on the effects of participating in online communities. The review uses three databases: PubMed, Scopus and ScienceDirect. The criteria are: (1) online community aimed to provide support by and for people with a common problem; (2) the content of the sessions was determined by users; (3) members met via the Internet; (4) online community was available 24/7; (5) online community access was free and open to everyone with an Internet connection. Of the articles, 13 of 105 met the inclusion criteria. Seven studies reported positive changes: informational and emotional support, increased sense of belonging, less isolation, better medical understanding. Six articles also considered risks: the rise of the level of stress because of successes or failures of other users, the addiction to the forum and the consequent isolation from real relationships.

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