How Do Online Support Groups Influence an Individual’s Grief Processing

Abstract

Grief is a universal yet deeply personal experience, often shaped by cultural, social, and contextual factors. Urbanization has disrupted traditional grief-support systems such as family networks and community-based structures, leaving many individuals in urban settings without access to essential support. This study investigates the role of digital platforms as alternative mechanisms for grief support in urban communities with limited access to traditional resources. The study aims to explore how digital environments foster shared experiences, coping strategies, and emotional expression among grieving individuals. Grounded in interpretivism, it delves into the challenges of digital grief support. The research contributes to a broader understanding of bereavement in a digitally evolving society by addressing themes such as emotional resilience and the effectiveness of digital platforms. The findings are expected to inform the development of technology-driven mental health interventions, bridging gaps in urban grief support systems. While the study acknowledges limitations like reliance on text-based data and challenges in representing diverse populations, it emphasizes the transformative potential of digital platforms in reimagining grief support for urban communities.