Over the past several weeks, I have researched various online support groups. The two most extensive networks I found were DailyStrength (www.dailystrength.org) and Experience Project (www.experienceproject.com). Each site hosts an extensive support network divided into subcategories or topics. These topics have their own support groups.
Many support groups are centered around serious medical issues and traumatic events. Wanting to be as transparent about my intentions (and not wanting to offend anyone) I opted to join a support group for vegetarians. As a new vegetarian I feel comfortable participating in these groups. Both vegetarian groups had no barrier to entry and I was able to join by creating a username with my personal email. Of the two sites, Daily Strength is the more comprehensive. Among its features are a personal journal tool, posts from experts, discussion forums, and question and advice forum where users can both ask for help and give help. DailyStrength also has a friend function, although no one has accepted my friend requests.
The majority of actions in this support group are discussion based. Members post questions like "Do I need supplements?" "Do you eat honey?" and "Are there any pescatarians in this group?". Members also solicit debate with statements like "Warning: Potentially Offensive to Vegans" and "Dating a Non-Veg". The topics of conversation range widely and the community is quite active, exchanging advice, recipes, and opinions.
In addition to participating in the vegetarian support group, I plan to observe other support communities. I don't feel comfortable joining a group for an issue I don't personally have but I think observing some of the more serious groups will be useful for assessing how these groups are useful in members' lives.
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