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

Abstract

This paper contributes to the discussion on health behavior change support systems by examining one of the persuasive software features, social support. The paper studies the influence of structural social support on functional social support types in the online environment. Specifically, the paper examines the frequency of using two different kinds of online social platforms (online forums and Facebook groups) that are used to facilitate peer social support in weight loss and their influence on perceived functional social support types (emotional, informational, and instrumental). The results show that frequent use of Facebook based support peer group facilitates perceived emotional, informational, and instrumental support, whereas frequent use of online forum based peer support group facilitates emotional and informational support but much less than Facebook support group usage does. Thus, modifying the support platform makes it possible to influence perceived functional social support.