Using Digital Technology to Stay Connected With Friends After Aphasia

Area of Science:

• Social Sciences
• Communication Studies
• Rehabilitation Science

Background:

• Digital technologies are crucial for relationship maintenance.
• Understanding technology use in specific populations is essential for social support.
• Aphasia significantly impacts communication and social interaction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the role of information and communication technology (ICT) in friendship maintenance for individuals with aphasia.
• To identify how people with aphasia utilize digital tools to sustain social connections.
• To inform clinical interventions aimed at improving social relationships for those with aphasia.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative research design utilizing semistructured interviews.
• Data collected from 27 individuals with aphasia, 8 significant others, and 9 friends.
• Inductive thematic analysis applied to interview data.

Main Results:

• Over 90% of participants highlighted the importance of ICT for maintaining friendships.
• Key themes identified: flexibility in technology use, technology's role in identity negotiation, and technology as a crucial support.
• Participants emphasized the need for flexibility, online identity management, and digital literacy support.

Conclusions:

• ICT plays a critical role in enabling people with aphasia to sustain friendships.
• Rehabilitation strategies should incorporate flexibility, online identity support, and digital technology training.
• Findings offer valuable insights for clinical practice and future research in aphasia and social connection.