10.2190/EGWJ-GBQD-KPDA-7UUD EGWJGBQDKPDA7UUD 323 SELF HELP GROUPS AND THE INTERNET: BREAST CANCER NEWSGROUPS 323 344 20021002 20021002 20021002 20021002 EGWJGBQDKPDA7UUD.pdf http://baywood.metapress.com/link.asp?target=contribution&id=EGWJGBQDKPDA7UUD 4 MORTON A. LIEBERMAN STEFANI RUSSO University of California, San Francisco Examined are the similarities and differences between self help groups (SHGS) and their Internet variant, the electronic self help group (ESG), which often takes the form of the online newsgroup or bulletin board. What are the advantages and pitfalls of the technology that provides an alternative setting of support to traditional SHGS? Studies of SHGs suggest that certain minimum conditions must be present in order for such groups to provide a helpful environment. 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