chronically online... is peer support viable?

[pilotviolin]

do you guys think its worth creating or if you have any ideas of how to safely implement or start something like this? id really like it to be for people who are socially awkward, anxious etc as well as those with internet addictions or grown up isolated in general. theres implementing online support groups so at least people know theyre not alone, or theres doing something locally but i dont know if people irl in a more regional area would want to join and i have a few other concerns around safety and being able to lead a group on my own to a positive outcome.
like its hard to tackle as a group im seeing even tho that sounds very logical the more i think about it. id really love to at least try but ya if you have any ideas or experiences id like to hear it. i hope more people will latch on to at least being aware of how modern mainstream internet content abuses and exploits the public. id also love to try to help young adults find eachother without dating app algorithms and hassles, and also for older people who dont already have a network or are looking for a new one. however since almost everything is online itd kind of need an online backbone to reach out to people who are stuck online too.

 

[Hvergelmir]

I think I understand and like your intention. I'm not sure what you're suggesting practically, though.
Please keep us updated if anything comes out of this.

 

[-Link-]

Some of my best experiences with treatment/recovery have been in peer support groups.

As far as starting one IRL, I know in some places there are training programs available for people with lived experience who want to facilitate group meetings. I'm not sure it's actually required, but it would probably be a good idea from both a practical point of view as well as establishing credibility.

I would stick to only support. Omit anything to do with dating. This can happen naturally if people are seeking this, but for purposes of support groups, it probably shouldn't be actively endorsed.

You could reach out to facilitators who are already running groups in your local area. They would probably be the best people to talk to as far as getting specific, localized advice on how to actually start one. Google "(your city) support group" and see what pops up. I don't think it matters what type of group they're running because the only thing you'd be looking for is general advice on how to get started (on any topic).

 

[Leiot]

I'm in a bipolar support group that meets about half the time online.