A Practical Guide to Social Media in Allergic Disease Management: Background, Tools, Tips, and Tactics
摘要
Social media platforms are increasingly utilized to support allergy patients in diverse forms. Popular socializing and microblogging networks are valuable online tools for patient education and information, allowing the creation and sharing of various types of content and active involvement with followers. Image- and video-based social media services are also helpful in supporting allergic disease management via visually appealing and engaging content. At the same time, forum-style networking is advantageous in text-based education on various topics. However, social media platforms may be utilized also to spread misinformation and disinformation on health topics, which is a particular threat to susceptible subjects, for example, with lower emotional intelligence and education. Independently from the used technology, user may promote products or services unsupported by scientific guidelines. Therefore, healthcare providers on social media need to perform as contributors to information and education. In this role, it is essential to combat all forms of online information disorder and to respect basic rules as well as guiding principles when using social media.