Patients suffering from fibromyalgia commonly experience depressive symptoms such as loneliness and hopelessness due to the nebulousness of the disease. A primary purpose of social media is to promote connectedness, which is associated with improved well-being. Using archival, de-identified data collected by a social media company, this study aims to explore whether connectedness among patients with fibromyalgia facilitated by social media can improve mental and physical health outcomes.
Inclusion Criteria:
Exclusion Criteria:
Participants used the platform as usual (e.g., log in, read stories).
Participants received specialized emails from the platform containing user-generated stories featuring lived experience with fibromyalgia that were identified as helpful for increasing social connectedness/support and hope, in addition to typical platform use.
In addition to receiving the specialized emails with supportive narratives, participants were invited to join a closed group of other people with fibromyalgia that would facilitate communication amongst members.
The Bronx, New York 10461, United States
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