Narrative, Interactions, and Insights of Youth Participation in Digital Health Communities

Abstract

This paper has as main objective to analyze the participation of young people in digital communities that provide them with medical information and emotional support. The digital communities of two influencers on Instagram were analyzed: Anahí De Cárdenas (Peru) and Belén Canalejo (Spain). The influencers were selected because they have publicly presented the breast cancer they suffered and used their networks to provide support to users through their treatment’s diffusion, in the case of Anahí, and positive messages about mental health, in the case of Belén. A qualitative analysis was used that allowed to collect information from their followers. An ethnographic study was carried out in which the in-depth interview technique was applied to 6 users who belong to said communities. Likewise, the content analysis technique was applied in 3 videos and 3 podcasts published by the influencers with a high interaction of the followers. The results showed that young people participation in digital health communities is sustained by clearly identifiable narratives in each influencer related to trust and support. Likewise, in the interactions it was evidenced that the disease sustains the empathy of the followers, even more so if the follower has or has had the disease. Finally, in the insights of the users, the promotion of values ​​such as generosity and equality is evident, since they see themselves as peers and promote chains of support toward the influencer and among themselves. Illness as a reality or possibility eliminates any difference or situation of inequality. This article contributes to the line of research on digital communities and health, delving into the use of social networks such as Instagram in order to address issues that contribute to the development and well-being of people.