Characteristics of cancer blog users.

Blogs are a relatively new medium in computer-mediated health communication and are regarded as highly opinionated journals maintained by millions of users who read and write personal remarks on issues ranging from news stories to health care [1–3]. Of the 120 million US adults with Internet access, 7%, or 8 million people, have created blogs [4], and the increasing use of blogs has been reported in several studies [1,4,5]. Rainie found that the typical blogger is a young, male, Internet veteran; has a broadband connection; and is financially secure [5]. The gender of the blogger has also been a topic for research. Herring et al. found that even though women participate in blogging activities (focusing on emotional support), men are more likely to create filter blogs and k-logs (knowledge blogs) that are considered focused on information [1]. Blogs have been described as a new medium, one that shifts mainstream control of information into the hands of the audience. The potential use of blogs for cancer patients, basic scientists, clinical researchers, and practicing oncologists to discuss findings and suggestions has been envisioned in several cancer journals [6]. In addition, the use of online communication tools to share emotional support in all aspects of cancer-related issues has been frequently described [2,6]. While blogs are becoming more frequently researched, empirical studies regarding blogs and their users, especially cancer patients and their companions (defined for this study as patient family and friends), are noticeably lacking. Most research has been in the area of news media [7]. Some research has been reported in lexical (textual) analyses from studies designed to provide technological frameworks to classify blog messages for improved accessibility [8,9]. However, questions regarding motivation to post or comment on blogs and the perceived outcomes of using blogs still remain challenging research tasks [10,11]. Understanding how blogs are used can allow information providers to better understand the impact blogs can have on cancer patients, their friends, and families. This study used cluster analysis techniques to classify cancer blog users' demographics, as well as their use and perceptions of blogs.