Through talking to various members of the community and observing forums, chat rooms, and other blogs, I have become well informed of their interests.   As a member of myproana, I have been able to conclude that the members of myproana are there in search of support, a sense of community and acceptance.  It is in the chat room that I was able to begin my findings and really delve into the world of myproana.com.  Before entering the main chat room you are forced to agree to the terms and regulations of the chat room, which include a no-judging others policy; in addition the rules state the chat room available for everyone to feel safe and respected among peers.

Another section, I observed in particular, was the forum board; it was here, where I could find users promoting tips, diets, or looking for “buddies” on the sight. A key part to myproana is the use of direct messaging and message boards.  On these message boards, members post topics that they feel will pertain to others in the community.  Through direct messaging, I have had the ability to talk to various members of the community, who ultimately let their goals come out; members of myproana come together in search of friendship.  These message boards tend to share a common theme.  These boards typically focus on tips and/or tricks of anorexia, or they include relationship advice with friends, partners, or family.

This study can be taken seriously because of the honesty that was shared on my part.  While many people with eating disorders believe that they are often judged, as a researcher, I opened up to the members of myproana.com.  By creating trust amongst the community, I made sure not to disrupt any conversations or add any negative input that might affect the people I was talking with.  Although I made some of my own observations, based on the information that was passed along in chat forums and other conversations, the majority of my research has come directly from the members of the site.  The members of myproana seemed to speak to me with such ease and comfort; even after sharing with them my reasoning for joining, they treated me as a new member to the site.  While new members are often given select privileges to start, you are able to gain credibility through other members and showing your interest in not only pro-anorexia, but helping each other.

Having this strict limitations, I continue to follow Boyd's example and was able to find some interesting facts; the answers are not always laid out on the page for you. My most prevalent findings were done by simply asking the members of myproana.com to share their stories. In order to refrain from misguiding answers, I made sure I asked the same question every time; "what are you looking for in myproana.com? Is anyone here looking for community/acceptance? What made you join the myproana community? and lastly, do you remember what caused you to want to be anorexic?