BACKGROUND: Peer support for chronic pain is increasingly taking place on social media via social networking communities. Several theories on the development and maintenance of chronic pain highlight how rumination, catastrophizing, and negative social interactions can contribute to poor health outcomes. However, little is known regarding the role web-based health discussions play in the development of negative versus positive health attitudes relevant to chronic pain.
OBJECTIVE: This study aims to investigate how participation in online peer-to-peer support communities influenced pain expressions by examining how the sentiment of user language evolved in response to peer interactions.
METHODS: We collected the comment histories of 199 randomly sampled Reddit (Reddit, Inc) users who were active in a popular peer-to-peer chronic pain support community over 10 years. A total of 2 separate natural language processing methods were compared to calculate the sentiment of user comments on the forum (N=73,876). We then modeled the trajectories of users\' language sentiment using mixed-effects growth curve modeling and measured the degree to which users affectively synchronized with their peers using bivariate wavelet analysis.
RESULTS: In comparison to a shuffled baseline, we found evidence that users entrained their language sentiment to match the language of community members they interacted with (t198=4.02; P<.001; Cohen d=0.40). This synchrony was most apparent in low-frequency sentiment changes unfolding over hundreds of interactions as opposed to reactionary changes occurring from comment to comment (F2,198=17.70; P<.001). We also observed a significant trend in sentiment across all users (β=-.02; P=.003), with users increasingly using more negative language as they continued to interact with the community. Notably, there was a significant interaction between affective synchrony and community tenure (β=.02; P=.02), such that greater affective synchrony was associated with negative sentiment trajectories among short-term users and positive sentiment trajectories among long-term users.
CONCLUSIONS: Our results are consistent with the social communication model of pain, which describes how social interactions can influence the expression of pain symptoms. The difference in long-term versus short-term affective synchrony observed between community members suggests a process of emotional coregulation and social learning. Participating in health discussions on Reddit appears to be associated with both negative and positive changes in sentiment depending on how individual users interacted with their peers. Thus, in addition to characterizing the sentiment dynamics existing within online chronic pain communities, our work provides insight into the potential benefits and drawbacks of relying on support communities organized on social media platforms.

BACKGROUND: Fake health-related news has spread rapidly through the internet, causing harm to individuals and society. Despite interventions, a fenbendazole scandal recently spread among patients with lung cancer in South Korea. It is crucial to intervene appropriately to prevent the spread of fake news.
OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the appropriate timing of interventions to minimize the side effects of fake news.
METHODS: A simulation was conducted using the susceptible-infected-recovered (SIR) model, which is a representative model of the virus spread mechanism. We applied this model to the fake news spread mechanism. The parameters were set similarly to those in the digital environment, where the fenbendazole scandal occurred. NetLogo, an agent-based model, was used as the analytical tool.
RESULTS: Fake news lasted 278 days in the absence of interventions. As a result of adjusting and analyzing the timing of the intervention in response to the fenbendazole scandal, we found that faster intervention leads to a shorter duration of fake news (intervention at 54 days = fake news that lasted for 210 days; intervention at 16 days = fake news that lasted for 187 days; and intervention at 10 days = fake news that lasted for 157 days). However, no significant differences were observed when the intervention was performed within 10 days.
CONCLUSIONS: Interventions implemented within 10 days were effective in reducing the duration of the spread of fake news. Our findings suggest that timely intervention is critical for preventing the spread of fake news in the digital environment. Additionally, a monitoring system that can detect fake news should be developed for a rapid response.

UNASSIGNED: Social networking site use and social network-based health information seeking behavior have proliferated to the point that the lines between seeking health information from credible social network-based sources and the decision to seek medical care or attempt to treat oneself have become blurred.
UNASSIGNED: We contribute to emerging research on health information seeking behavior by investigating demographic factors, social media use for health information seeking purposes, and the relationship between health information seeking and occurrences of self-treatment.
UNASSIGNED: Data were collected from an online survey in which participants were asked to describe sociodemographic factors about themselves, social media use patterns, perceptions about their motivations for health information seeking on social media platforms, and whether or not they attempted self-treatment after their social media-related health information seeking. We conducted a binomial logistic regression with self-treatment as a dichotomous categorical dependent variable.
UNASSIGNED: Results indicate that significant predictors of self-treatment based on information obtained from social networking sites include race, exercise frequency, and degree of trust in the health-related information received.
UNASSIGNED: With an understanding of how sociodemographic factors might influence the decision to self-treat based on information obtained from social networking sites, health care providers can assist patients by educating them on credible social network-based sources of health information and discussing the importance of seeking medical advice from a health care provider.

In China, condomless sex among men who have sex with men (MSM) is the primary route of HIV infection in young people. Chengdu is a hotspot for reported HIV cases among young people nationwide. Extensive use of geosocial networking (GSN) smartphone apps has dramatically changed the pattern of sexual behavior among young MSM (YMSM). However, data on HIV incidence and the risk behavior of YMSM using the GSN app are still obscure.
This study aims to analyze and understand the HIV incidence and its risk factors among YMSM using GSN apps in Chengdu, China.
An open cohort study was conducted among YMSM aged 18-24 years through a gay GSN smartphone app in Chengdu, China, from July 2018 to December 2020. Every participant completed a web-based questionnaire on sociodemographic characteristics, sexual behaviors, and other related statuses; made a reservation for a web-based HIV testing; and then voluntarily got tested at the designated testing site. At least one additional HIV test was taken via the app during the study period, and participants were evaluated at the end of the study or at the time of HIV seroconversion. By dividing the sum of the observed HIV seroconversions by the observed person-years, HIV incidence was calculated and compared between the student and nonstudent MSM. Univariate and multivariate (Cox proportional hazards regression) analyses were used to discuss the risk factors for new HIV infections.
In the study cohort, 24 seroconversions occurred among 625 YMSM who took at least two HIV tests through the app during the study period, contributing to 505 observed person-years. The HIV incidence rate per 100 person-years was 4.75 (95% CI 2.89-6.61) among all MSM, 3.60 (95% CI 1.27-5.93) among student MSM, and 5.88 (95% CI 2.97-8.79) among nonstudent MSM. In addition, the HIV incidence per 100 person-years was 11.11 (95% CI 4.49-17.73) among those who had resided in the area for 6 months or less and 7.14 (95% CI 1.52-12.77) among those with senior high school or less education. Two or more sexual partners (adjusted hazards ratio [HR] 3.63, 95% CI 1.08-12.23) in the preceding 6 months was a risk factor for new HIV infections. Consistent condom use for anal sex (adjusted HR 0.38, 95% CI 0.16-0.88) and insertive anal sex only (adjusted HR 0.10, 95% CI 0.01-0.75) in the preceding 6 months were protective factors for new HIV infections.
The rate of new HIV infections among YMSM who actively used GSN smartphone apps was high, especially among migrant nonstudent MSM. Targeted interventions on GSN smartphone apps should be implemented to provide demand-adapted prevention and services to reduce the threat of HIV.

Older adults living in residential care often experience challenges in sustaining meaningful social relationships, which can result in compromised health and well-being. Online social networking has the potential to mitigate this problem, but few studies have investigated its implementation and its effectiveness in maintaining or enhancing well-being. This pilot study used a cluster-randomized pre-post design to examine the feasibility of implementing a 12-week group-based technology-training intervention for older adults (n = 48) living in residential care by exploring how cognitive health, mental health, and confidence in technology were impacted. Analysis of variance revealed significant increases in life satisfaction, positive attitudes toward computer use, and self-perceived competence among participants who received the intervention, but increased depressive symptoms for the control group. These findings suggest that, despite challenges in implementing the intervention in residential care, group-based technology training may enhance confidence among older adults while maintaining or enhancing mental health.

UNASSIGNED: This study aimed to explore young breast cancer survivors\' experiences of peer support activities and their need for a metaverse-based peer support program.
UNASSIGNED: This qualitative content analysis study involved 15 young women with breast cancer under the age of 40. Participants with diverse experiences in peer support activities were purposefully selected. Data were collected in March 2023 through three focus group interviews and three additional individual interviews. Saturation was reached when no new themes emerged from the interviews. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using conventional content analysis. This study ensured the trustworthiness of the data based on criteria including truth value, applicability, consistency, and neutrality.
UNASSIGNED: Four categories emerged: advantages, disadvantages, preferences for peer support activities, and the need for metaverse-based peer support programs. Participants valued peer support activities for exchanging information, nurturing empathy, and encouraging healthy behaviors. Challenges included information confusion, peer conflict, isolation, and stigma. Preferences for group composition, size, and medium varied; however, all participants agreed on the importance of operational guidelines. Participants expected a metaverse-based peer support program to provide safe and enjoyable experiences despite concerns about unfamiliar platforms.
UNASSIGNED: This study highlights the unique needs and preferences of young breast cancer survivors regarding peer support activities. Well-organized and tailored peer support can significantly enhance their quality of life. These findings provide valuable insights for developing effective metaverse-based peer support programs to meet the needs of young women with breast cancer.

Accessing medical resources has been a challenging issue in China, particularly for people who do not live in big cities. Online \"Ask the doctor\" (AtD) services are gaining popularity rapidly. On AtDs, patients or their caregivers can ask questions to medical professionals and receive medical advice without going through the hassles of visiting local hospitals or doctors\' offices. However, the communication patterns and remaining challenges of this tool are understudied.
The purpose of this study was to (1) explore the dialogue patterns between the patients and the doctors on an AtD service in China, (2) identify issues and remaining challenges in this new form of communication.
We conducted an exploratory study to analyze the dialogues between patients and doctors as well as patients\' reviews. To analyze the dialogue data, we took inspiration from the discourse analysis and focus on the various components of the dialogues. We also used thematic analysis to discover the underlying themes embedded in each dialogue, and identify themes from patient complaints.
We identified four stages in the dialogues between the patients and doctors, including the initiating stage, continuing stage, ending stage, and following up stage. We also summarized the common patterns in the first three stages and reasons for sending follow-up messages. Moreover, we identified 6 unique challenges of the AtD service, including (1) inefficient communication in the initial stage, (2) unfinished conversation in the ending stage, (3) communication is perceived as real-time by the patients, not by the doctors, (4) drawbacks of voice messages, (5) verge of the illegal behaviors, and (6) consultation is not worth the payment.
The AtD service provides the follow-up communication pattern which is considered as a good supplement of Chinese traditional health care. However, several barriers, such as ethical problems, mismatched perceptions and expectations, cost-effectiveness issue still need further investigation.

This study aims to understand the effects that role-diverse online communities have on informal carers, particularly in providing support. Australian Facebook communities used to support those involved in the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) were explored. Social network analysis of an NDIS-centred community was conducted, based on 909 publicly visible interactions that occurred in May-June and August-September 2019. Two managers of informal NDIS communities were interviewed, the transcripts of which were analysed using NVivo. Results from the two analyses suggest that both an individual carer\'s attributes and the collective attributes of the network defined the capability of the network to support the carer, often depending on the experiences and expertise of those offering support. Support was unconstrained by role, though differing goals and expectations often impeded collaboration between roles. The outcomes of support provision were shown to affect not only individuals but also the collective network. However, while effective, community spaces currently lack organisational backing and resources available to informal communities are constrained. Findings drawn from this study, which we believe are applicable to a broader, international context, are three-fold. Firstly, it is recommended that informal support communities clearly define purpose and create multiple channels to ensure that all participants can meet their needs. Secondly, the benefits of participation to organisations should be further explored. Finally, the use of social network analysis as a method in this study has provided significant insights into the communication patterns and activities of the community under study. Future use of SNA in similar studies may provide further insight into the effectiveness and interactions of community-based support methods.

To investigate the longitudinal prediction of intensity and emotional connection (EC) related to online social networking use at baseline on the risk of incident depression at nine-month follow-up among adolescents.
A total of 3196 secondary school students, who were online social networking users and free of depression at baseline, were included in this study. Multilevel logistic regression models were applied to investigate the longitudinal prediction of two dimensions of online social networking use intensity (social function use intensity (SFUI), entertainment function use intensity (EFUI)) and EC scores at baseline on incident depression at follow-up.
The incidence of depression was 23.37 per 100-person-years during a nine-month follow-up period. Baseline SFUI and EFUI scores were significantly associated with higher level of incident depression (adjusted OR = 1.017, 95% CI: 1.004-1.029 for SFUI, p = 0.010; adjusted OR = 1.046, 95% CI: 1.012-1.080 for EFUI, p = 0.007), after adjustment of significant background factors and baseline depressive symptom score. The associations of EC at baseline and its interaction with SFUI and EFUI on incident depression were statistically non-significant.
Online social networking use seems be a risk factor of depression among adolescents, regardless of its specific functions. Early intervention is recommended to reduce the level of online social networking use intensity as a means of preventing depression among adolescents.

The potential mechanisms underlying the association between online social networking use intensity and depressive symptoms are unclear and underresearched.
We aimed to investigate the potential roles of interpersonal psychosocial factors on the association between online social networking use intensity and depressive symptoms among early adolescents.
A total of 4237 adolescents from a 9-month longitudinal study were included. Score changes (indicated as △) for the social function use intensity (SFUI) and entertainment function use intensity (EFUI) subscales of the Online Social Networking Activity Intensity Scale and for friendship quality, perceived family support, perceived friend support, parent-adolescent conflict, social nonconfidence, and depressive symptoms were analyzed. The potential mediation effects of unfavorable psychosocial factors and suppression effects of favorable psychosocial factors on the association of △SFUI with △CES-D and the association of △EFUI with △CES-D were tested using hierarchical regression models.
The association between △SFUI and △CES-D was partially mediated by △mother-adolescent conflict (mediation effect size 5.11%, P=.02) and △social nonconfidence (mediation effect size 20.97%, P<.001) but partially suppressed by △friendship quality, △perceived family support, and △perceived friend support, with suppression effects of -0.011 (P=.003), -0.009 (P=.003), and -0.022 (P<.001), respectively. The association between △EFUI and △CES-D was partially mediated by △social nonconfidence (mediation effect size 30.65%, P<.001) but partially suppressed by △perceived family support and △perceived friend support, with suppression effects of -0.036 (P<.001) and -0.039 (P<.001), respectively.
The association between online social networking use intensity and depressive symptoms was partially mediated through the indirect increase in social nonconfidence and mother-adolescent conflict; however, better perceived social support and friendship quality would partially compensate for the harmful impact of online social networking use intensity on depressive symptoms among early adolescents.