Communication Science Review of Literature 

Introduction

The starter article is Predictors of supportive message expression and reception in an interactive cancer communication system by Kim et al. (2011), and the second article is # Stupidcancer: Exploring a typology of social support and the role of emotional expression in a social media community by Myrick, Holton, Himelboim & Love (2016).

The topic addressed in the two articles is the use of communication technology to mediate communication between cancer patients in order for them to cope or share their experiences. The first article focuses on the predictors for the expression and reception of supportive messages (Kim et al., 2011). The second article focuses on the typology of social support as well as the role that emotional expression plays in the cancer group in a social media application (Myrick et al., 2016). The topic investigated by the two articles is significant due to the development and increased usage of internet-based technology.  Internet-based technology has moved to play a significant role in coping and social support for patients with chronic illnesses (Kim et al., 2011). Many people are using digital communication networks since they provide convenience. Before the growth of the internet, social support groups for cancer were face-to-face, and in some cases, people were not able to attend the meetings (Myrick et al., 2016). The possible benefits of investigating the topic include identifying ways to improve social support individuals with cancer give or receive. Having a proper understanding of the factors that influence social media’s social support or internet technology will enable healthcare workers and communication personnel to utilize and enhance coping through internet-based technology (Kim et al., 2011). The topic is also significant since it enables researchers to learn about the specific messages exchanged to enable coping among cancer patients (Myrick et al., 2016). 

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