Abstract
Social media represents a powerful weapon to promote health education. The aim of the present study was to investigate how health information is discussed and disseminated by people who do not have specific academic certification but are legitimized due to their experiences. We conducted a narrative review of the literature published from 2016 to 2021 in PubMed, using the search terms “Social Media”, “Health” and “Education”, and their variations according to MeSH. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) which evaluated the use of social media to disseminate health information content were included in the analysis. Despite the undeniable role of social media in disseminating content concerning health practices, the use of these platforms without proper scientific support or academic certification by so-called health influencers can promote questionable content. A number of studies demonstrate that content published on social media can negatively influence the health of users. Greater scientific rigor and professional training could contribute to guarantee reliability of data regarding health information shared on social media. More studies must assess the relevance of using virtual tools for sharing content aimed at improving health and scientific reliability.
Highlights
The search for theoretical support, orientation, and social recognition induces a sense of belonging and acceptance of a particular group that aims lifestyle change, and whose currency of exchange often exceeds the simple feeling of health improvement
As much as social media can be used in favor of health, the information posted must have professional and mainly scientific support (Gesser-Edelsburg et al, 2019; Jenkins et al, 2020)
Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) which evaluated the use of social media to disseminate health information content were included in the analysis
Summary
The search for theoretical support, orientation, and social recognition induces a sense of belonging and acceptance of a particular group that aims lifestyle change, and whose currency of exchange often exceeds the simple feeling of health improvement. Individuals seek aesthetic success, increased affective and sexual desire by peers, job opportunities and financial enrichment. In this scenario, as much as social media can be used in favor of health, the information posted must have professional and mainly scientific support (Gesser-Edelsburg et al, 2019; Jenkins et al, 2020). In the new era of social media, the public seeks health information both online and offline. Some factors are considered capable of leveraging the visibility and interactivity of health information posted by digital influencers, such as content obtained automatically, suggested or recommended by users who share the same desires, and that is reliable and attractive. The user tends to like the posted information (Goodyear et al, 2018; Jenkins et al, 2020)
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