Social Support and Health in the Digital Age

(Hardback)

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Description

The information age has revolutionized nearly every facet of human communicationfrom the ways in which people purchase products to how they meet and fall in love. These exciting new communication technologies can both unite and divide us. People who are separated by great distances can now communicate with each other in real time, whereas parents often find themselves competing with smartphones and tablets for their childrens attention. This book explores the many ways that digital communication media, such as online forums, social networking sites, and mobile applications, enhance and constrain social support in health-related contexts. We already know a great deal about how the Internet has altered how people search for health information, but less about how people seek and receive social support in this new age of information, which is critical for maintaining our physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing.

Reviews

Communication and Health in the Digital Age is a much-needed resource to help in our understanding of how and why our online interactions influence our overall health and well-being through the communication of social support. Finally, we have a resource that synthesizes updated information across a wide body of literature, which allows us to improve our research, teaching, and ultimately the quality of the support we give and receive in our everyday lives.

Author Bio

Nichole Egbert is professor in the School of Communication studies at Kent State University. Kevin B. Wright is professor in the Department of Communication at George Mason University.