Abstract
Web 2.0 technologies have given rise to Health 2.0, i.e., health social networks (HSNs). Citizens everywhere are flocking towards such HSNs that have the potential to empower them towards wellbeing and healthy living. This paper analyzes 37 best-known commercial HSN sites and evaluates them based on an existing evaluation criterion. As a result of a deeper understanding of the sampled HSNs, we develop a three-dimension framework to help categorize HSNs. Such a framework can aid in the design process of HSNs. The paper points out a need towards establishing best practices for design, information privacy and e-literacy aspects of evolving HSNs of the future.
Recommended Citation
Al-Kadi, Alaa and Chatterjee, Samir, "Tapping into the Health Wisdom of Crowd: Trends in Healthcare Social Networks" (2012). AMCIS 2012 Proceedings. 25.
https://aisel.aisnet.org/amcis2012/proceedings/ISHealthcare/25
Tapping into the Health Wisdom of Crowd: Trends in Healthcare Social Networks
Web 2.0 technologies have given rise to Health 2.0, i.e., health social networks (HSNs). Citizens everywhere are flocking towards such HSNs that have the potential to empower them towards wellbeing and healthy living. This paper analyzes 37 best-known commercial HSN sites and evaluates them based on an existing evaluation criterion. As a result of a deeper understanding of the sampled HSNs, we develop a three-dimension framework to help categorize HSNs. Such a framework can aid in the design process of HSNs. The paper points out a need towards establishing best practices for design, information privacy and e-literacy aspects of evolving HSNs of the future.