Tutorial Six: The internet and online communities

For this tutorial we have been asked to choose a topic of interest and find three online communities relating to this. The topic I have chosen is depression.  

The first site I have found is called depressiontribe http://www.depressiontribe.com/ 

This site is named as it is 'because it takes a tribe...' it is a free depression support community where you can create, connect and share.

Information about depression is also available. You are able to connect with others through groups, forums, and blogs. 

Another site is depression understood http://www.depression-understood.org/
Depression and other mood related health issues can appear to be very isolating and lonely experiences. Accordingly, one of the main objectives of this website is to connect people that experience such feelings, and offer a place where people can share their thoughts. This site includes many different ways in which we hope we help to connect people. You can interact and get to know others via the main depression Chat Rooms, Forums, Blogs and Media Gallery sections.

And the last site is health central http://www.healthcentral.com/depression/support-groups.html 

This site believes that health is more than just medicine - it's about living the best way you can and helping others do the same. Here you can share your story on this site which means joining a larger conversation between experts, patients, caregivers, and other individuals.  

There is also an app. called SharePosts making it easy to share your story, post a question, or make recommendations. Whether it is a regular update on your life story or a single, simple tip that may help someone get through the day, SharePosts are your way to join the conversation.

Here is a forum post by someone who currently has depression. She wrote telling her story and said that she is finding it hard. The Moderator of the site even replied to this post offering advice about who she could see and letting her know about the chat rooms set up. Other people have offered advice about what has helped them.

Ethical issues

Well potential issues that may arise could be the lack of identify of users and accountability for what is said, misuse, who has access to it, who sustains and manages the community and amount of information shared etc.

These online communities provide benefits in that they give information, instant connections, and have the ability to connect with people who share the same needs, concerns and interests etc, there is no cost involved (such as having to travel) and can provide information, support, and entertainment. 

What can these online communities lack or not offer that traditional communities can? . Face-to-face interaction, its just not the same really. Online communities are generally not as connective as the real world. Misunderstandings are easily made.