Open AccessAttributes of Interactive Online Health Information Systems
Author(s) -
Joseph B. Walther,
Suzanne Pingree,
Robert P. Hawkins,
David B. Buller
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
jmir. journal of medical internet research/journal of medical internet research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.446
H-Index - 142
eISSN - 1439-4456
pISSN - 1438-8871
DOI - 10.2196/jmir.7.3.e33
Subject(s) - sociotechnical system , interactivity , computer science , anonymity , homophily , social media , coping (psychology) , information system , psychology , knowledge management , internet privacy , world wide web , social psychology , psychiatry , electrical engineering , engineering , computer security
The development of online communication systems related to prevention, decision making, and coping with cancer has outpaced theoretical attention to the attributes that appeal to system users and that create effective interactions. This essay reviews a number of sociotechnical attributes related to online discussion systems and tutorials, including interactivity, presence, homophily, social distance, anonymity/privacy, and interaction management. These attributes are derived from different theoretical perspectives which have led to clinical trials and other empirical studies demonstrating effectiveness or attraction to end users. The effects of a subset of these attributes are connected to learning, social influence, and coping, as illustrated in evaluations of an interactive smoking prevention site and a cancer advice/support discussion system.