An Investigation on the Use of Facebook Communities for Emotional Support by Nigerian Women

Abstract

There exists relationship between low emotional support and poor physical and mental health outcomes and increase mortality risk. Increased emotional support is said to be a protective factor for vulnerable populations. An effective way of increasing emotional support is through social network affiliation. This study focused on the use of Facebook communities for emotional support by Nigerian women. The study has three (3) objectives: To discover the importance of online support communities in women’s lives by ascertaining how the lives of women in Facebook communities are significantly affected; establish if Facebook communities can contribute to the growth and development of women; determine if relationships can be established on the group and reinforced outside Facebook community. The research adopts the ecological systems theory for theoretical guide, while in-depth interview was used as methodology. Fifteen (15) participants were drawn as sample through snow-ball sample technique. These participants were reached through two interlocutors who agreed to participate in the research. The study gathered that the common stories posted in the group were that of abuse; all participants agreed that abuse was a fundamental issue that needed to be tackled. Some participants advocated for more posts about self-development and economic opportunities. The study concludes that online communities can serve as safe-spaces for women seeking support from their fellow women. The study recommends that the key to complete women’s emancipation lies in their economic freedom. It is nearly impossible for women to achieve full freedom if their economic power is still largely dependent on the men who are committed to dominating them.