Social Information Processing Theory and a Case Study of Idealized Perceptions and Misrepresentation Within an Online Community for Alcohol Addiction

Abstract

Our understanding of health-related online communities can be aided by the use of theories that have been developed by scholars who study social media, computer-mediated communication, online relationships, and the like. Social Information Processing Theory has emerged as an important theory for understanding the new media environment, including the study of online support communities. Specifically, Social Information Processing Theory has been helpful in terms of shedding light on online communication processes and our perceptions of others who we meet in cyberspace.

The following sections of this chapter provide more detailed information on key concepts from Social Information Processing Theory and how they apply to our perceptions of people with whom we interact via email, chat rooms, blogs, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and a growing list of other social media platforms. This is followed by a case study of communication within an online, health-related support community for individuals living with alcohol addiction. Specifically, the case study focuses on problems that occurred within the group due to misperceptions of other online community participants and how Social Information Processing Theory can be used to understand both the communication between participants and their perceptions of others.