An epidemiological assessment of online groups and a test of a typology: What are the (dis)similarities of the online group types?

Highlights：

• I explore the validity of a typology of online groups, which will aid in generalizability concerns of online group studies.

• Online group samples include a cancer support forum, a LGBT forum, and a Harry Potter Fan Forum.

• Many disparities of these groups are discovered, including group identity, self-presentation, social support, and well-being.

• Certain novel relationships are noted, also involving these constructs.

• Several theoretical and practical implications are discussed, along with future directions.