Social media has a significant, two-fold impact on the world as we know it: It is both helpful in disseminating relevant information and can be a hotbed for the distribution of fake news.
The Lancet provides a thoughtful analysis of the limitations and benefits of professional social media use in the medical arena. “Over the past 20 years, social media has changed the way society communicates and shares information, and its widespread use has permeated health care, including oncology. Even social media’s fiercest critics—who call attention to the risks of the spread of misinformation, negative consequences for mental health, and difficulty in implementing regulations—recognize that these platforms can also be useful, allowing oncologists and patients with cancer and their caregivers to share content and experiences. A key question since the emergence of social media platforms remains—what are the limits?”1
We’d love to hear from you. Has social media helped or hindered the way you navigate your role as a Medical Affairs professional? How?
Disclaimers
- The material in these reviews is from various public open access sources, meant for educational and informational purposes only
- Any personal opinions expressed are those of only the author(s) and are not intended to represent the position of any organization(s)
- No official support by any organization(s) has been provided or should be inferred
References
- The Lancet Oncology. (2022). Oncologists in social media—what are the limits? The Lancet Oncology, 23(5), 553. https://doi.org/10.1016/s1470-2045(22)00227-3
