Despite its many flaws, Bobbie Hall highlights how the communities built on Facebook can be a lifeline for disabled, mentally ill, and marginalised individuals.

Users of Facebook will recognise that the social media platform has become increasingly problematic, despite attempts by the company to improve its algorithm. Many of us have experienced arguments between family, friends, and strangers due to sharing discordant views about the world, politics, and life. However, Facebook has also brought people together from across the world, connecting individuals through communities, or ‘groups’, to share experiences from mental health, chronic illnesses, disabilities, to pop-culture topics in TV shows or movies. These groups are often collective communities that enable gathering and mutual support.

In 2020, Facebook reported that 1.8 billion people use these communities every month, demonstrating that it is a crucial tool for building connections. Each distinct community has its own set of guidelines, expectations, and purposes. A private group called Why did I walk into this room? A progressive ADHD/Autistic support group is an intersectional support group for anyone with ADHD and/or autism. This group is specifically targeted toward individuals with progressive (leftist, liberal, etc) politics. A few of their rules include: “trigger/content warnings are MANDATORY”, “intentional weight loss posts are not allowed”, and “don’t be a jerk, respect privacy”. Despite each group’s differences, Facebook communities are unified in their goal to facilitate connections between individuals with shared interests. 

Nevertheless, Facebook is regularly under scrutiny, with the hashtag #DeleteFacebook, popularised in 2018 continuing to spread. In 2021, researchers at Facebook reported that some users have described negative experiences related to Facebook use, namely addiction, loss of productivity, relationships problems, and loss of sleep. Further research recognises the correlation between Facebook use and reduced wellbeing, including poor moment-to-moment feelings and loss of life satisfaction. 

Amidst these negative reports, Dr Frances Ryan argues that many people cannot afford to delete Facebook. This stance not only represents her own experiences as a disabled woman, but also the reality of numerous disabled and marginalised individuals who have benefited from communities, connections, and even careers built through Facebook. Dr Ryan explains how Facebook changed the life of a girl called Alice Strick who was unable to complete her art degree due to mental health issues. She used Facebook to set up an art workshop that over 1,000 people requested to attend. Eventually, planning these workshops became a full-time career for Alice. Likewise, Monica Olson wrote about the benefits of Facebook for disabled community building, crediting Facebook as an effective way to organise disability rights coalitions and connect multiple marginalised and disabled individuals. 

As no physical interaction or travel is required, Facebook communities are often accessible spaces for many disabled individuals. Underneath Dr Ryan’s article, many have commented  describing the ways in which Facebook has acted as a lifeline to information and people they might not have access to otherwise. In particular, users who identify as disabled and chronically ill report the reprieve felt in these collective spaces and the support they have gained from others with similar experiences, such as useful recommendations for treatments to help manage symptoms.

As a Facebook community user, I have experienced the benefits first-hand. I received recommendations for LGBTQIA-friendly care, gathered emotional support during times of despair, and read words of wisdom from peers every day. In turn, I also support members of my various communities, building connections that have been crucial in my health journey. 

A wide variety of Facebook communities encourage community building, gathering advice, and sharing experiences. I am involved in many diverse groups that do this, from support groups for polycystic ovarian syndrome to body positivity communities. While Facebook can have adverse impacts on wellbeing, the platform’s potential for accessible community building is a lifeline to connection, particularly for individuals who are socially marginalised.