Health interventions and validity on social media: A literature review

Abstract

Social media changes the way people and organizations communicate with each other. Health interventions on social media are, however, a relatively new phenomenon. This article includes a review of health intervention studies done via social media. The review is divided into four different validity types: (a) statistical conclusion validity, (b) internal validity, (c) construct validity, and (d) external validity. Findings show that health interventions on social media have validity challenges because of small sample size, geographic area, level of reductionism, measurement instruments, participants memories and experience, and a lack of experimental control. The conclusion is that health intervention on social media is possible—and needed. However, a focus on validity is important. Guidelines for social media intervention are suggested, and implications for future research are given.