Framing, Advice-Seeking, and Medical Trust in the r/Keto Community: An Analysis of the Medical Flair on r/Keto

<p>First created in 1921, the ketogenic diet was used as a medical intervention for children suffering from severe epilepsy. However, in recent years, this highly restrictive diet has gained mainstream popularity for a number of illness management, wellness, and weight loss uses. Despite its rise in use and popularity, mainstream medical opinion still views the ketogenic diet as a last resort for severe conditions. Using a content analysis of posts tagged with the “medical” flair on the subreddit “r/Keto,” this thesis found commonalities among posts which praised the ketogenic diet and shared positive personal anecdotes were the most likely to receive positive engagement from the community. These findings are in line with similar studies of both online medical communities and online diet and weight loss communities and the positive social effects those communities can have for users.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

M.A.

Level thesis:degree_level

Masters Thesis

Year dc:date.available

2022

Author dc:creator

• Finke, Sabrina

Contributors dc:contributor

• Renée Botta
• Erika Polson
• David Coppini
• Erin Willer

• Diet
• Keto
• Online communities
• Reddit
• Communication
• Other Communication
• Social and Behavioral Sciences
• Social Media

Statement dc:rights

• <p>Copyright is held by the author. User is responsible for all copyright compliance.</p>

Language dc:language

en

Repository record dc:identifier

https://digitalcommons.du.edu/etd/2047

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:digitalcommons.du.edu:etd-3039