By Fareen Momin, Bahar Momin and Tue “Felix” Nguyen

The Dangers of Social Media:

Trends and Misinformation

By Fareen Momin, Bahar Momin and Tue “Felix” Nguyen

Our world has been increasingly reliant on social media; whether it be for entertainment or knowledge, many of us use multiple social platforms to gain information and interact with others globally. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, many individuals have increased their use of social media platforms, including Facebook, TikTok, Instagram and Twitter. During the first COVID-19 wave in 2020, 70% of users reported an increase in social media use, and during the second wave, 89% of users reported an increase in social media use.1 Although these platforms have allowed us to connect with individuals in real-time, many of us forget the power social media may hold to negatively impact our communities.

With the increased use of social media, some users have relied on these platforms to research ways to improve their physical appearance and complexions. Dermatologic therapies, including microneedling, have gained interest in the beauty community to help improve skin texture. These interests have brought about multiple trends on social media, including “DIY Microneedling” and “Sunscreen Contouring,” to capitalize on people’s insecurities.2 Dermatologists and other licensed professionals perform microneedling by minimally traumatizing the skin to promote collagen and elastin production, which helps reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and pitted acne scars. To obtain similar results, users shared “DIY Microneedling” techniques at home, unaware of the increased risk of infection when performed incorrectly or when using unsanitary needles and instruments.

Another dangerous trend on TikTok was “Sunscreen Contouring,” where users applied sunscreen only to certain portions of their face, such as the nose bridge and cheekbones, to elicit a tan that made their face look “sculpted” without makeup.2 Sun exposure to unprotected areas of the skin can increase the risk of skin cancer, including melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and basal cell carcinoma. In addition, long periods of chronic sun exposure can also lead to early photoaging and hyperpigmentation triggered by ultraviolet radiation damage from the sun.

Along with the dangerous trends on social media, the amount of misinformation has increased. The COVID-19 pandemic brought the issue of social media misinformation to the forefront.3 Conspiracy theories rapidly spread across platforms, such as COVID-19 being synthesized in a lab and microchips in vaccines for governmental tracking. Studies found that beliefs in COVID-19 conspiracies lead to reduced compliance with health guidelines and protective behaviors, posing a danger to public health.3

The use of social media as a source of information is evident in topics surrounding health and nutrition. A popular example is the promotion of a drink called “adrenal cocktail,” a beverage composed of orange juice, peeled oranges, coconut water and sea salt to help alleviate “adrenal fatigue.”4 It was developed by functional nutritionists who claim that electrolyte-rich drinks will “replenish” the adrenal glands and promote electrolyte homeostasis. The term “adrenal fatigue” describes an alleged condition caused by chronic stress that leads to overuse of the adrenal glands. The adrenal glands are tightly-regulated, small organs positioned superiorly to each kidney, and are responsible for synthesizing various hormones that help regulate blood pressure, blood sugar, response to stress and electrolyte balance. A systematic review found no substantial evidence of “adrenal fatigue” as a medical condition.5

The increased use of social media by physicians can help combat many of these dangerous trends. A survey conducted on more than 4,000 physicians found that over 90% of them utilize social media and that 65% of

them use their platform professionally.6 The misinformation published by social media influencers on these platforms is unregulated and can have dangerous public health consequences. Therefore, increased physician and educator presence on social media may help dispel any false circulating information and increase accessibility to evidence-based medicine.

With modern advancements in the digital era, social media platforms can be an excellent source of knowledge and continued learning when used mindfully. We encourage patients and the general public to only trust content produced by professionals when seeking reliable information to reduce exposure to potentially hazardous information.

References 1.Aldrich AZ. Finding Social Support Through Social Media During

COVID Lockdown. UConn Today. June 24, 2022. Accessed September 25, 2022. https://today.uconn.edu/2022/06/finding-social-support-through-social-media-during-covid-lockdowns/# 2.Dellner A. 5 TikTok Trends That Make Your Dermatologist Cringe.

PureWow. May 7, 2021. Accessed September 23, 2022. 3.Xiao X, Borah P, Su Y. The dangers of blind trust: Examining the interplay among social media news use, misinformation identification, and news trust on conspiracy beliefs. Public Underst Sci.

2021;30(8):977-992. doi:10.1177/0963662521998025 4.Walsh K. What Is the “Adrenal Cocktail” — and Is It Healthy (or Necessary)?. EatingWell. August 4, 2022. Accessed September 23, 2022. https://www.eatingwell.com/article/7991890/what-is-the-adrenalcocktail-is-it-healthy/ 5.Cadegiani FA, Kater CE. Adrenal fatigue does not exist: a systematic review [published correction appears in BMC Endocr Disord. 2016

Nov 16;16(1):63]. BMC Endocr Disord. 2016;16(1):48. Published 2016 Aug 24. doi:10.1186/s12902-016-0128-4 6.Ventola CL. Social media and health care professionals: benefits, risks, and best practices. P T. 2014;39(7):491-520.

Fareen Momin is a medical student at UTMB. She is interested in dermatology and serves as the Vice President of the UTMB Dermatology Interest Group.

Bahar Momin and Tue “Felix” Nguyen are medical students interested in dermatology at the UT Health San Antonio Long School of Medicine. They all served as clinic coordinators for the local student-run dermatology free clinic.