The Australian Women and Digital Health Project
Debra Lupton News and Media Research Centre January 2019
A range of digital technologies are available to people to find, share and generate health-related information. Few studies have directed attention specifically to how women are using these technologies from the diverse array available to them.
For women with chronic health conditions and those caring for infants and young children, in particular, online forums and social media groups were often used as a form of lay creation and sharing of knowledge. The key benefits of online peer sources were the opportunity to share experiences as well as ask advice and find support from other people experiencing similar illnesses or life events. The participants particularly valued being able to access a more personal form of information that provided insights from others’ experiences.