Developing a carer identity and negotiating everyday life through social networking sites: an explorative study on identity constructions in an online Swedish carer community

Abstract

An overarching reason why carers do not utilise support services is that many people who perform care-giving do not necessarily self-identify as a carer. Understanding the development of carer identities is therefore crucial for the utilisation of different carer-focused health services. This study arose from the European Union-funded INNOVAGE project and aimed to describe how older carers conceptualise and understand their identity as carers on a Swedish online social forum. Theoretically the study adopts a constructionist approach and the method of netnography was applied. The findings reveal that a change in self-perception occurs in the process through which a carer role is acquired. The presence or absence of recognition for the older carers’ capacity, knowledge and life situation is seen as filtered through the needs of the care recipient, making the carer identity into an invisible self. This is not least the case when the identity is constructed in alliance with conceptual and moral obligations found within a marital discourse. Nevertheless, the opportunity for online communication may help to create a virtual space of social recognition through which different experiences attached to caring can be discussed. The significance of online communication is here understood as the possibility it presents for carers to be recognised by other carers. It is a process through which an invisible self can become visible.

The Web of Loneliness: A Netnographic Study of Narratives of Being Alone in an Online Context

“…We made theoretically imbued notes when reading these documents, aiming to contextualise the excerpts and further developing our theoretical toolbox (Aspers 2007). Then, we re-read the excerpts in each document again, attempting to check and refine our understanding of the data as well as our theoretical framework and existing body of knowledge (Andréasson et al 2017). Through this circular process and constant movements between empirical data on the one hand, and theoretical and analytical tools on the other hand, we sought excerpts that, in a nuanced way, could respond to the purpose of the study (Kozinets 2010;see also Bowler 2010;Fangen 2005).…”

“…Online activities that allow people to connect to each other in different ways and socializing can reduce marginalization (Deters and Mehl 2012;Andréasson et al 2017). This has been discussed by Adler and Adler (2005), who focus on the cyber-worlds of self-injurers.…”

Moving beyond the first response phenomenon

“…Should carers be invited as partners in research and development (R&D) work concerning informal carers, care and caring? The first response to this question is usually positive, and in many cases, unproblematizeduser involvement appears to be a "win-win" situation Hence, being a carer is a complex experience that develops over time (Nolan et al, 1996;Montgomery and Kosloski, 2009), affecting both everyday life and the understanding of self (Andréasson et al, 2018). The process of becoming a carer often involves a life change and is, for this reason, identity-constructing (Montgomery and Kosloski, 2009).…”

Internet use for family carers of people with intellectual disabilities: A literature review and thematic synthesis

“…Use of online forums can provide support through connection with other carers, as well as a different source of information. Andréasson et al (2017) found that online forums can be a form of ‘recognition’ with other carers. They described accessing online forums as a relief and a way to establish new social relationships and a feeling of ‘stepping outside of the shadows’ and being ‘seen’ not just as a carer but also as a person (Andréasson et al, 2017).…”

“…Andréasson et al (2017) found that online forums can be a form of ‘recognition’ with other carers. They described accessing online forums as a relief and a way to establish new social relationships and a feeling of ‘stepping outside of the shadows’ and being ‘seen’ not just as a carer but also as a person (Andréasson et al, 2017). Similarly as others using online communities, their research participants also felt the benefit of flexibility of the online support group and saw it as complementary to traditional support groups.…”