Facebooking for health: An examination into the solicitation and effects of health-related social support on social networking sites
We looked at peoples use of Facebook to seek health-related social support. Overall, about 40% had sought health-related support from others on Facebook. People with health concerns had sought support from others on Facebook more often. Emotional support was perceived more often than other supports on Facebook. Emotional support was positively related to health self-efficacy.
facebook health-related social support online information seeking health self-efficacy