LIFE ON THE LINE - THE THERAPEUTIC POTENTIALS OF COMPUTER-MEDIATED CONVERSATION

In what ways are computer networking practices comparable to face-to-f ace therapy? With the exponential increase in computer-mediated commun ication and the increasing numbers of people joining topically based c omputer networks, the potential for grass-roots therapeutic (or antihe rapeutic) interchange is greatly augmented. Here we report the results of research into exchanges on an electronic bulletin board devoted to the topic of suicide. Over an 11-month period participants offered ea ch other valuable resources in terms of validation of experience, symp athy, acceptance, and encouragement. They also asked provocative quest ions and furnished broad-ranging advice. Hostile entries were rare. Ho wever, there were few communiques that parallel the change-inducing pr actices more frequent within many therapeutic settings. In effect, on- line dialogues seemed more sustaining than transforming. Further limit s and potentials of on-line communication are explored.