About

The Internet has revolutionized how humans communicate – for better and for worse. As health science researchers, we seek to understand the benefits and drawbacks of maintaining highly connected lifestyles (e.g., virtual meetings, social media, online gaming). For example, digital health experts have raised concerns about health misinformation, negative social influences, social media and gaming addiction, and other problematic impacts of new social technologies. These can have serious impacts on overall health and mental health in particular. However, digital platforms offer practically limitless potential for self-directed learning and social engagement, so there has been growing scientific interest in understanding more positive aspects of digital media use. For example, online support groups may offer an easily accessible and cost-effective approach to enhance recovery from mental and behavioral health conditions.    

This website is one place for researchers, treatment providers, and community members to get reliable information about digital behavioral health. We focus on the use of online forums (e.g., social media, chat websites) in recovery from problematic patterns of alcohol and substance use.