MAPACA

Mid-Atlantic Popular &
American Culture Association

Although much research has been conducted exploring social media structures (Cirucci, 2015) and mental health forums (Wright, Rosenberg, Egbert, Ploeger, Bernard, & King, 2013), no work has been completed at their intersection. In particular, while Facebook is often studied, as a site that pushes users to desire shallower lives situated in to identity validation via “likes” in the attention economy supported by social media platforms (Marwick, 2015). There has yet to be investigations into the ways in which Facebook contributes to the Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A.) 12-step recovery process. I argue that there is an important phenomenon occurring wherein recovering A.A. members employ Facebook’s structure in an attempt to successfully continue their rehabilitation process.

Scholars have argued that the structure of digital spaces in important when understanding implications for users (e.g., Cohen, 2012). Although most research works to chastise the site for controlling user identity processes and limiting agency, I instead focus on how the, often strict, structure matches with, and aids in, A.A.’s 12 step process. Both Facebook and A.A. direct community members through a set of guidelines, the former through a presented template, the latter with a list of what is defined as a successful recovering addict.

Through interviews with recovering A.A. members as well as content analyses of their Facebook posts, I explore how those immersed in the rehabilitation process utilize Facebook to continue their adherence to A.A.’s steps. Preliminary results indicate that there are three main similarities between both guiding structures—their focus on social, institutional, and personal aspects of the self. Socially, both communities encourage connecting and interacting with others. Institutionally, A.A. and Facebook urge members to share important moments and promote themselves in a favorable manner. Personally, the two reinforce the idea of portraying the authentic self.