Promoting health in a virtual world: Impressions of health communication messages delivered in Second Life

Authors

  • Joan Cowdery Eastern Michigan University
  • Jeannette Kindred Eastern Michigan University
  • Anna Michalakis Eastern Michigan University
  • L. Suzanne Suggs Università della Svizzera italiana

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5210/fm.v16i9.2857

Keywords:

Health intervention, Second Life

Abstract

The purpose of this exploratory study was to examine the use of the online virtual world Second Life (SL) for the delivery of health communication messages designed to encourage individuals to make healthy lifestyle choices regarding physical activity and nutrition. Research questions addressed participants’ impressions of the usefulness and relevance of health information received via an online virtual world and participants’ overall impressions of an online health education intervention program. Forty individuals participated in a health education intervention and completed a post-test survey. Four focus groups were also held, one in real life and three in Second Life and included a total of 28 participants. Overall, participants rated the health intervention positively, found the information useful in helping them think about changing their health behaviors, and reported finding the information easy to understand and personally relevant. Participants were also consistent in reporting they found the use of Second Life to be a unique and novel approach for the delivery of health information.

Author Biographies

Joan Cowdery, Eastern Michigan University

Joan Cowdery is an Associate Professor of Health Education in the School of Health Promotion & Human Performance at Eastern Michigan University. Research interests include the use of innovative health communication and behavior change strategies, including tailoring and the use of virtual worlds, in health education and health promotion.

Jeannette Kindred, Eastern Michigan University

Jeannette Kindred is Associate Professor in the Department of Communication, Media and Theatre Arts at Eastern Michigan University. Her research interests are in computer-mediated communication and communication education.

Anna Michalakis, Eastern Michigan University

Anna Michalakis recently received her Master?s Degree in Health Education from Eastern Michigan University and is currently serving as an adjunct lecturer in the School of Health Promotion and Human Performance.

L. Suzanne Suggs, Università della Svizzera italiana

L. Suzanne Suggs is an Assistant Professor in the Institute of Communication and Health, at the Università della Svizzera italiana, Lugano, Switzerland. Her research focuses on the use of communication technologies and messaging strategies (tailoring and targeting) to improve health status, health outcomes, and facilitate behavior and social change.

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Published

2011-08-23

How to Cite

Cowdery, J., Kindred, J., Michalakis, A., & Suggs, L. S. (2011). Promoting health in a virtual world: Impressions of health communication messages delivered in Second Life. First Monday, 16(9). https://doi.org/10.5210/fm.v16i9.2857