Social Media and Medical Information
Healthcare staff and scientists need to be involved, now more than ever
In an era where information spreads like wildfire, through both social media and more conventional platforms (indeed misinformation more so), the importance of accurate and reliable medical information cannot be overstated.
Social media serves as a powerful tool that can significantly influence individuals’ health-related decisions and behaviors. Access to credible medical information empowers people to make informed choices, fosters better understanding of health issues, and promotes overall well-being. And it is paramount that high quality health information is easily accessible.
Conversely, misinformation can lead to misguided self-diagnoses, inappropriate treatments, and the perpetuation of health-related myths. The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the pervasive nature of medical chicanery — with proliferation of conspiracy theories fueling confusion and anxiety among the public. This not only hindered efforts to control the spread of the virus but also posed a direct threat to public health, from ineffective remedies to the undermining of public health measures.
I believe we have a collective responsibility to prioritize the sharing of evidence-based content, promoting a digital landscape where users can confidently navigate health information with the assurance that their well-being is being prioritized over sensationalism or misinformation.
Accreditation on the Health Shelf means that one is medically licensed in the UK, with the goal of increasing the trustability of content and reducing digital quackery, safeguarding public health and fostering a collective commitment to evidence-based practices in times of crisis.
I hope my own little channel whistle-stop tours of concepts and historical contexts in Ocular Inflammation, Ophthalmology and Medicine in general can contribute in a tiny way to this landscape. Even if I can’t resist throwing in the odd curio or cheeky film reference (many nostalgic, a couple more modern, and a few which are totally niche — Last video exemplifies this by featuring Pirates of the Caribbean, Guardians of the Galaxy, Shawshank Redemption, Jurassic Park, and the classic Knightmare CITV series (1987–1994) “Ooh, nasty!”)
Here is my channel:
