Dutch computer scientists have assessed the value of the mobile communication platform Whatsapp in the context of social support. The research seems quite relevant in the midst of the global COVID-19 pandemic that has forced countless people to work entirely remotely, usually from home, engage with their doctors and other healthcare workers via online apps, and work with educators to teach their children at home too.
Whatsapp is a free cross-platform messaging and voice
Over IP (VoIP) service provided by one of the most well-known social media companies, Facebook. Whatsapp users can send each other text messages and voice messages without paying the Netherland WhatsApp Number List usual fees that might be charged for SMS and phone calls by using a Wi-Fi or Internet data connection on their phone. They can also make voice and video calls. Share images, documents and other files, and even their location with other users in end-to-end encrypted connections. Users can also create groups of collaborators, friends and family members to communicate and share within this community.
Writing in the International Journal of Networks and Virtual Organizations
Luuk Simons and Catholijn Jonker from Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands and Wouter van den Heuvel from the Health Coach Program also in Delft. Suggest that WhatsApp WhatsApp Number Database groups can be used as engaging social support systems that complement existing electronic tools and personal coaching. Their exploratory study of a small number of young professionals found that they were all happy to engage with others using Whatsapp. Indee, the app led to higher engagement than other social media tools.
The team demonstrate that the use of a Whatsapp group
By these young professionals led to healthy behavior and health advocacy and confirm the potential of the system for peer coaching. The research show that there is a need to educate Bulk Database potential users on how to more effectively form relevant communities. They offer several ideas in their paper on how the use of Whatsapp could be improve. For example, it may be essential in a coaching community environment that at least one of the group members is an expert in that field to ensure the quality of advice and discussions, to catalyze group interactions. To motivate users to act as health advocates within the group, and to ensure that help is always provide to participants when they need it.
