Expression and Reception: An Analytic Method for Assessing Message Production and Consumption in CMC

Area of Science:

• Communication Studies
• Health Informatics
• Social Network Analysis

Background:

• Computer-mediated communication (CMC) analysis requires methods to capture multi-layered effects of online interactions.
• Existing methods may not fully integrate content, behavioral, and survey data for comprehensive analysis.
• eHealth systems generate rich data suitable for advanced communication research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present an innovative methodology for studying computer-mediated communication (CMC).
• To demonstrate the application of this methodology using data from the Comprehensive Health Enhancement Support System (CHESS).
• To explore the utility of the methodology for online social network analysis.

Main Methods:

• Combined three datasets: computer-aided content analysis, message posting/reading records, and longitudinal survey data.
• Utilized data from the Comprehensive Health Enhancement Support System (CHESS).
• Applied methods to construct open and targeted communication networks within social networks.

Main Results:

• The integrated methodology allows for multi-layered analysis of online expression and reception effects.
• Demonstrated the construction of distinct online social network types (open and targeted).
• Showcased the application of the methodology within an eHealth context.

Conclusions:

• The proposed methodology offers a robust framework for analyzing complex CMC phenomena.
• This approach enhances understanding of online social dynamics in health informatics.
• The ability to construct varied network types supports nuanced content analysis within social networks.