Identity, community and shared experiences : An interview study on everyday-life information practices in endometriosis groups on Facebook

This bachelor's thesis explores how the members of Facebook groups that focus on endometriosis utilize the group to find, evaluate and share information about the disease. The aim of the thesis is to investigate which everyday information practices are created and formed in these specific Facebook groups. A requirement to participate in the study was to be part of a Facebook group that focuses on the disease, however, the requirements did not take into account whether the participants have a diagnosis or not. To analyze, evaluate and understand the findings, the concepts communities of practice and cognitive authorities are applied, as well as everyday life information seeking. The study is performed using a qualitative method by interviewing six people who partake as members in Facebook groups that focus on endometriosis. The results of the study reveal that the participants use the groups primarily to find and share experiential information and emotional support and rarely factual information. It also showed that the informants' use of the groups changed based on how long they had been a member of the group as well as the progression of the disease. Additionally, they developed authority that differs from the authority of the healthcare system. This was based on credibility factors such as formulations, activity and the member’s own values.