I recently visited the website of Planned Parenthood (www.plannedparenthood.org) to evaluate the community that may be found there. Frankly, this is a website for the infosumer, rather than someone interested in developing a sense of camaraderie or togetherness. The website is extremely informative about reproductive options, talking to kids about sex, finding a healthcare provider and politicians' stances on women's health issues. I do not find this surprising, as it is an organization focused on providing accurate, complete information about women's health. If there is a lot of input from users, such as would be the case in a more "instrumental relations" focused site, there could be a lot of conflicting information or misinformation.
However, for those seeking to learn about the personal experiences of others who have used Planned Parenthood, the website directs them to their Facebook page, where the atmosphere is more instrumental relations focused. This week, the wall is inundated with information about pro-choice candidates and laments about the reality that many states had no pro-choice candidate to vote for this year. However, further back in the comments there is information about Planned Parenthood, as well as opportunities to get involved with feminist rallies and organizations. The Facebook page seems to be more focused on getting women to come out of the woodwork and get involved, whereas the website is more focused on providing accurate reproductive health information.
Although Planned Parenthood does portray itself as a safe space, this is much more focused on the type of information you will find there, as well as the atmosphere in one of their locations. This is not a communitarian website, with no forums, comments or profiles. However, for their purpose, I feel this is best. It shows that they are an informative authority, not an opinionated organization with an agenda, which can be perceived negatively. The Facebook page is more opinionated however, but it is not a social networking area (although one could develop a friendship with a fellow commenter, it does not seem to foster that type of interaction.)
This website does fall into the "mobile privatization" category in some ways. One is able to gain access to information on their own, without leaving the house, speaking to a health professional or going to a clinic. Planned Parenthood allows people of different social status to gain equal information and services, by providing a sliding payment scale according to income, and accepting Medicaid and many insurance providers, as well as private payment. There is no social exclusion on the website, and it is made clear that all are welcome at the open locations.
The website of Planned Parenthood does not foster virtual togetherness, however it does offer a wealth of valuable information for the infosumer interested in controller her reproductive destiny.
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