Building Networks, Easing Suffering: the social circles of madness

This article investigates the structure of social networks not attached to the territory: these are interactions mediated by the worldwide computer network that can structure (predominantly) secondary and (occasionally) primary sociabilities. Similarly to other structures of territorially based sociability practices, these based on the Internet can also mobilize resources and provide social support. Based on Simmel's concept of Social Circles, and resorting to information published in some specialized journals on mental health, I try to build a typology of sociability practices mediated by the Internet. It was found that online communities characterized as mental health social circles constitute relevant instruments for establishing social support networks and disseminating information and practices involving care.

Simmel; Social Circles; Internet; Mental Health