Dynamic identity management in online health communities: How illness stage moderates the effects of anonymity — A longitudinal panel data analysis

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China has a significant cancer burden, accounting for nearly 25% of global cancer cases and deaths, highlighting the need for patient support.
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Online health communities (OHCs) provide vital support for cancer patients by facilitating peer connections and reducing information asymmetry.
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Patients face a tension between the need for social connection and the fear of exposure, as cancer stigma can lead to social judgment and privacy risks.
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The Dynamic Identity Management (DIM) framework proposes that anonymity is a strategic resource that users manage based on their illness stage.
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Understanding how anonymity and illness stage influence user behavior can enhance the design of OHC platforms to better support cancer patients.

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