OBJECTIVE While social media provides a crucial support system for individuals facing isolation, particularly those with uncommon conditions like type 1 diabetes (T1D), the specific characteristics of online engagement within this community remain largely unexplored. This research fills the gap by systematically categorizing the #T1D online ecosystem across three prominent social media platforms. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS One month of data from Instagram, Reddit, and Twitter were collected using #T1D and #typeonediabetes as inclusion criteria. Posts were coded using a content analysis approach by three researchers for the type of content, purpose, community building, personal reflection, and emotional valence using ratings derived from Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS). Each PANAS emotion was rated on a Likert scale from 1 to 5. Each post could represent multiple codes. RESULTS Personal reflection (47.94%), community building (28.68%), and advocacy (12.87%) are the predominate post themes. The primary purposes were sharing experiences (44.40%) and resources (25.54%) and seeking information (13.56%). Personal reflections often directly related to T1D (22.69%), while community building focused on online engagement (18.37%). The overall emotional valance was positive, with a combination of specific emotions. Further subcategories were identified. Platform variations were observed. CONCLUSIONS The #T1D community provides a positive and supportive space for sharing experiences and information. Each platform offers unique characteristics shaped by the community itself, thus providing unique types of support. In conclusion, promoting #T1D online communities as a resource is warranted. These platforms provide insight into the lived experience of individuals with T1D.
Albright et al. (Tue,) studied this question.