Highlights
- •MS symptoms can be stigmatizing and isolating in ways that interrupt the social interactions of individuals with MS.
- •Honesty is associated with happiness in in-person interactions for individuals with MS.
- •In on-line interactions, honesty is associated with less happiness when anonymous and unrelated when using real name.
- •Individuals may be more honest online when using real name than anonymous.
- •Online social networks do not seem to substitute for in-person interactions with friends for individuals with MS.
Abstract
Background
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) can impair social participation and lead to isolation. Online
platforms could help to increase this participation for individuals with MS, circumventing
potential physical, emotional and cognitive barriers. Yet, minimal research has examined
the differential impact of online versus face-to face interaction on happiness.
Objective
In our study we analyzed the relationship between honesty, anonymity, and happiness
in individuals diagnosed with MS, who reported using online social networks.
Methods
We merged answers of 440 individuals from the Davidson Social Participation Survey
with the NARCOMS Enrollment and Update Surveys. Descriptive analysis, T-tests, Pearson correlations and OLS multivariate regression analysis were conducted.
Results
Individuals reported they could be more honest in face-to face interactions than with
online contacts, regardless of whether they were anonymous or identifiable. Happiness
was associated with honesty or authenticity in in-person interactions. We found a
negative association between happiness and honesty for anonymous participants online,
and no association between happiness and honesty when using real names. Consistent
results emerged for individuals using patient-specific and generic platforms.
Conclusion
Our study implies that anonymity may not improve happiness of individuals with MS.
We need to address structural barriers to enable their in-person interactions.
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: September 19, 2018
Accepted:
September 18,
2018
Received in revised form:
September 15,
2018
Received:
March 21,
2018
Identification
Copyright
© 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
