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Why we need more than just randomized controlled trials to establish the effectiveness of online social networks for health behavior change
journal contribution
posted on 2017-12-06, 00:00 authored by Corneel VandelanotteCorneel Vandelanotte, C MaherDespite their popularity and potential to promote health in large populations, the effectiveness of online social networks (e.g., Facebook) to improve health behaviors has been somewhat disappointing. Most of the research examining the effectiveness of such interventions has used randomized controlled trials (RCTs). It is asserted that the modest outcomes may be due to characteristics specific to both online social networks and RCTs. The highly controlled nature of RCTs stifles the dynamic nature of online social networks. Alternative and ecologically valid research designs that evaluate online social networks in real-life conditions are needed to advance the science in this area.
History
Volume
30Issue
2Start Page
74End Page
76Number of Pages
3eISSN
2168-6602ISSN
0890-1171Location
United StatesPublisher
American Journal of Health PromotionPublisher DOI
Full Text URL
Language
en-ausPeer Reviewed
- Yes
Open Access
- No
Era Eligible
- Yes