JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Online social support can address social isolation and unmet support needs among young adults with cancer (ages 18-39). Given 94% of young adults own and use smartphones, social media can offer personalized, accessible social support among peers with cancer.

Objective:

In this study, we examined specific benefits, downsides, and topics of social support via social media among young adults with cancer.

Methods:

We conducted semi-structured interviews with young adults with cancer, ages 18-39 and either in or post treatment.

Results:

Most participants (n=45) use general audience platforms (e.g., Facebook groups) as well as cancer-specific social media (e.g., Caring Bridge) to discuss medical information (managing side effects, treatment uncertainty) and navigating life with cancer (parenting, financial issues). Participants valued socializing with other young adults with cancer, making connection with outside their personal networks, and being able to validate their emotional and mental health experiences, without time and physical constraints. However, using social media for peer support can be an emotional burden, especially when others post disheartening and/or harassing content; privacy and politicization were also concerning.

Conclusions:

Social media allows young adults to connect with peers to share and feel validated about their treatment and life concerns. However, barriers remain for getting support from social media and could be reduced through content moderation and developing more customizable, potentially cancer-specific, social media apps and platforms to enhance one’s ability to find peers and manage groups.