Tanis, Martin. "Health-related on-line forums: what's the big attraction?." Journal of health communication 13.7 (2008): 698-714.

This study explores the motivations behind using health-related online forums and their impact on users' coping abilities. Based on an online questionnaire with 189 participants, the findings reveal that forums generally have a positive effect on coping with health conditions and social situations, particularly for those who use them for information gathering or inclusion. However, a negative effect is noted for users who primarily engage in discussions. The study also highlights the varied appreciation of common features of computer-mediated communication, such as anonymity, text-based interaction, and network expansion, with anonymity being particularly valued by those who feel stigmatized and network expansion by those with mobility restrictions.