online support group

A form of computer-mediated social interaction using the Internet to enable participants to receive and provide information between one another, as well as advice, resources, and encouragement. Using e-mail, chat rooms, and especially listservs, the participants have almost immediate access to one another and can communicate anonymously on specific issues of mutual concern or general topics of common interest. Professional groups, including social workers, have found that such groups can ease on-the-job stress and provide support and consultation for professional issues.