15 Aug Blogs and Community
Do blogs fuel relational and community ties?
In the current state of affairs, the Internet is proving a forum for the exchange of ideas; the upkeep of relational communication; and source of organic knowledge. A multitudinous array of blogs, ranging from the inane to innovative can be found instructing one in the next DIY (Do-It-Youself) craft project or reflecting on the tumult of life in the 21st century.
Although the benefits and drawbacks can be debated at will, the fact is that blogs increase compassionate support. Empathy. Shared stories.Even a faceless comment on a blog doesn’t negate the supportive emotion portrayed. Now, I am not going to delve into the negative and rude commenters (labeled ‘haters’), although the negativity can abound. I want you, dear reader of such a blog, to consider the gentleman suffering from Alzheimers chronicling his journey on a blog. Would such a person kindle feelings of shared suffering? Of memories? Of current is
sues? Of course!
A retired physician named David Hilfiker, a resident of Washington DC, started a blog called Watching the Lights Go Out to chronicle this period of his life. He quotes, “Blogging creates a community of support. Also, the fact that other people’s experience mirrors mine is really quite reassuring.” His quote is merely a small dose of icing on the proverbial cake: the cake being a study by Stephen A. Rains and David M. Keating titled “The Social Dimension of Blogging about Health: Health Blogging, Social Support, and Well-being” (2011) which suggests blogs foster social support for patients, enhancing their existing clos relationships and increasing their number of relationships overall.
Social support. Affirming stories of identity and self-doubt,
encouraging one in the discussion about the daily struggles of cognitive impairment, and feedback convincing one that “You Are not Alone.”
You are not Alone. ACCFamily blogs these visually cold, typed words with warmth flowing through cyber-land to your heart. This blog was created as an avenue showing support of care communities, in addition to providing a forum of issues. So. Keep checking back for shared support in this journey of life!