PURPOSE: To analyze the content and culture of anorexia nervosa (AN)-related communication on the current major social network site (SNS) Facebook. METHODS: We searched for groups and sites related to AN on Facebook by means of a faux profile of a young female. Identified groups/sites were analyzed with respect to (1) category (education, self-help, professional help, pro-ana, anti pro-ana), (2) activity, (3) motivational aspects (prose, pictures), and (4) social support. RESULTS: Numerous relevant groups were found in all categories except that professional help was almost nonexistent. Pro-ana groups were found to be the most active, best organized, and offered the highest levels of social support. Prose motivation was distinctly offered in all categories. Motivation with pictures was particularly evident in pro-ana groups. The most functional motivation was found in self-help groups. CONCLUSIONS: SNS appears to be a relevant way for young females suffering from AN to communicate and exchange disease and health-related ideas. Caregivers, researchers, and institutions in the field of eating disorders should be aware of the existence, possibilities, dysfunctions, and influence of SNS. Whether SNS can help persons with AN to get therapeutic assistance as well as whether it can be integrated into psychotherapeutic strategies should be examined in future studies.
PURPOSE: To analyze the content and culture of anorexia nervosa (AN)-related communication on the current major social network site (SNS) Facebook. METHODS: We searched for groups and sites related to AN on Facebook by means of a faux profile of a young female. Identified groups/sites were analyzed with respect to (1) category (education, self-help, professional help, pro-ana, anti pro-ana), (2) activity, (3) motivational aspects (prose, pictures), and (4) social support. RESULTS: Numerous relevant groups were found in all categories except that professional help was almost nonexistent. Pro-ana groups were found to be the most active, best organized, and offered the highest levels of social support. Prose motivation was distinctly offered in all categories. Motivation with pictures was particularly evident in pro-ana groups. The most functional motivation was found in self-help groups. CONCLUSIONS: SNS appears to be a relevant way for young females suffering from AN to communicate and exchange disease and health-related ideas. Caregivers, researchers, and institutions in the field of eating disorders should be aware of the existence, possibilities, dysfunctions, and influence of SNS. Whether SNS can help persons with AN to get therapeutic assistance as well as whether it can be integrated into psychotherapeutic strategies should be examined in future studies.
Authors: Martin Teufel; Norbert Schäffeler; Martina de Zwaan; Holmer Graap; Stephan Zipfel; Katrin Elisabeth Giel Journal: J Health Psychol Date: 2011-04-01
Authors: Hans-Christoph Friederich; Samantha Brooks; Rudolf Uher; Iain C Campbell; Vincent Giampietro; Mick Brammer; Steve C R Williams; Wolfgang Herzog; Janet Treasure Journal: Neuropsychologia Date: 2010-05-27 Impact factor: 3.139
Authors: Atte Oksanen; David Garcia; Anu Sirola; Matti Näsi; Markus Kaakinen; Teo Keipi; Pekka Räsänen Journal: J Med Internet Res Date: 2015-11-12 Impact factor: 5.428