Open AccessThe aspect of time in online health information behaviour
Author(s) -
Jonas Tana,
Emil Eirola,
Kristina ErikssonBacka
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
informaatiotutkimus
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 1797-9129
DOI - 10.23978/inf.83315
Subject(s) - affect (linguistics) , action (physics) , psychology , health care , health information , cognitive psychology , applied psychology , data science , computer science , communication , political science , physics , quantum mechanics , law
Temporal structures and rhythmicity are universal phenomena and affect all aspects of life, including dynamic processes like health and well-being that change over time. Health related issues and threats trigger health information behaviour, a majority of which happens online and thus leaves digital traces behind. This study analyses the temporal variations and rhythmicity of health information behaviour through the action of online posting in a large Finnish discussion forum, Suomi24. The findings in this study show that health information behaviour follow clear and robust rhythmicity on both a seasonal and daily level. This endorses the notion that well-being, health and illness are dynamic processes that change with time and can help provide a more holistic picture of health and well-being, including aspects that fall outside professional healthcare settings. Studying when health information behaviour happens can thus have wide-ranging consequences.