Social Support Exchanges in Facebook Social Support Group

Much research has been carried out looking into the psychological effects of Facebook usage. Research reveals that Facebook use can influence subjective wellbeing, either positively or negatively. Few studies have investigated the use of Facebook for online social support groups, but none has yet looked into social support group for parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) particularly in Asian context. The aim of this preliminary study was to examine the types of support being exchanged on Facebook and the frequency of the postings. Using the deductive thematic analysis, 320 Facebook postings made by members of an online social support group were analysed during a two weeks period. The results show that sharing of personal experience is the purpose of common postings, accompanied with other themes on social support. Facebook social support group can provide great avenue for these parents and can also be extended to cater for other groups.