The impact of social media and online communities of practice in rheumatology

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic changed healthcare practices and social media played a significant role in those changes. While social media and online practice communities allow collaboration and engagement, education and knowledge dissemination, research and publication, promotion, and the potential for improved clinical care, their use also involves perils and pitfalls. The literature suggests that rheumatologists use innovative social media platforms for both professional and social purposes. Similarly, many patients with rheumatic disease use social media for education and communication. This review outlined the background of social media platforms, the reasons for their use, and associated risks. This review further discussed the need to better understand the benefits of social media and online communities as well as the potential negative effects that could impact the practice of rheumatology.