SOCIAL MEDIA AND MEDICAL INFORMATION

Dermatologists’ Tips for Identifying Accurate Information

BY ELIZABETH AZIZ, DO1, KEVIN LIU, DO1 , COLBY L. PRESLEY, DO1, CYNTHIA L. BARTUS, MD1,2

1DIVISION OF DERMATOLOGY, LEHIGH VALLEY HEALTH NETWORK, ALLENTOWN, PA 2ADVANCED DERMATOLOGY ASSOCIATES, ALLENTOWN, PA

In the last 20 years, our world has become more digitally interconnected. Now, more than ever, patients have near instantaneous access to health information at the tips of their fingers. As healthcare providers and patients alike, we must be cognizant of how medical information accessed through the internet can be both a blessing and a curse.

Social media has gripped our way of life, including a heavy influence on healthcare information dissemination. In the US, 72% of Americans report using at least one form of social media.1 According to the Pew Research Center, in 2021, some of the most popular social media platforms include YouTube (81%), Facebook (69%), Instagram (40%) and TikTok (21%).1 The current public uses social media as not only a way to connect with one another but to exchange current events, trends, and access health-related information. One study revealed that around 80% of dermatology patients use the internet or social media to access medical information.2 These statistics highlight how extensive the use of social media is and how much healthcare information patients consume before ever getting in the exam room.

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Without a doubt, platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok have made communication and dissemination of information easier than ever and many benefits have come from this. Healthcare providers can give medical advice to the population at large, or they can quickly answer specific questions that individuals may have. Alternatively, these platforms can also be used to connect patients with others who share their condition, such as cancer support groups. Here, individuals can share advice, knowledge, and experiences with one another. As the world of social media continues to evolve, the benefits of quick and easy access to medical knowledge will continue to grow.

However, our ease of access to information can present a double-edged sword when it comes to medical advice. In dermatology specifically, we have encountered the viral popularity of social media trends to address management for common skin concerns such as acne, eczema, and aging/wrinkles. Unfortunately, many of these trends and posts are started by paid influencers without a medical background. Unregulated medical advice, particularly that provided by untrained sources, can clearly have a negative impact on the consumers (our patients) of such information.

We provide these simple steps for patients and healthcare providers to help filter out potentially inaccurate skin care posts on social media, such as TikTok or Instagram. These steps can certainly apply to other medical specialties and health-related information found on social media.

Read the Caption.

If the social media post has a hashtag, e.g., “#ad” in their caption, the creator of the post is being transparent and informing their audience they are being paid to advertise a product. They may also create hashtags such as “#advertisement, #sponsorship, #partnership,” etc. in their captions. Be cautious of these posts as they are targeted at getting viewers to buy products and may not be providing accurate medical advice. Check Credentials.

When viewing posts, check the profile of the creator of the post. “Influencers” will not have the certifications associated with medical professionals. For example, if a post is made by a physician, they will typically have the credentials “MD” or “DO” behind their name. Additionally, if they have “FAAD” or “FAOCD” in their title, the content creator is making you aware that they are nationally board-certified and trained dermatologists sharing skincare information. These providers are aware of the risks and benefits of providing dermatological information online.

If hesitant or questioning, don’t try it.

If it sounds either too good to be true or too strange to be true, then consult your health care provider first. In dermatology, for example, there have been a number of trends suggesting the use or application of DIY toners and serums, toothpaste, potatoes, etc., to achieve better skin. These methods are often ineffective and can cause more damage than benefit.

Dr. Google is NOT a replacement for a health care provider.

While trends continue to change, lose popularity, and new fads begin, medical knowledge only improves and increases. When it comes to skin care, your skin care professional will work with you to find the most economical and appropriate treatment for your skin type. Money, time, and frustration can be saved when you start with a trusted, trained source for your healthcare.

As social media continues to grow and our world becomes both more interconnected and diverse, use these steps to protect your health from promotional ads disguised as medical advice. Consult with your healthcare provider before the implementation of medical advice found through social media platforms. As healthcare providers and social media users ourselves, we must also be responsible for providing safe, accurate information on our social media platforms and adhere to professional standards if using social media in a professional setting.

REFERENCES

1. Auxier B, Anderson M. Social media use in 2021. Pew Research Center. Published April 7, 2021. https://www.pewresearch.org/ internet/2021/04/07/social-media-use-in-2021/

2. Gantenbein L, Navarini AA, Maul LV, Brandt O, Mueller SM. Internet and social media use in dermatology patients: Search behavior and impact on patient‐physician relationship. Dermatologic Therapy. 2020;33(6).