Balancing Privacy and Professionalism: A Survey of General Surgery Program Directors on Social Media and Surgical Education.

This survey of surgery residency program directors found that problems with residents and faculty using social media were common, most programs did not have formal teaching or known institutional policies in place. J Surg Educ. 2016 Aug 11. pii: S1931-7204(16)30118-0.

Comment: This survey had only a 42.5% response rate. However, even with adjusting for non-responders, the conclusion remains valid - violations of social media conduct deemed appropriate by the surgical residency director is fairly common. Educational programs and professional guidelines are needed.

Pathology Image-Sharing on Social Media: Recommendations for Protecting Privacy While Motivating Education.

Using common-sense privacy protections, pathologists can share images on social media sites for educational purposes. Professional and educational benefits of social sharing are overwhelmingly positive when done properly. AMA J Ethics. 2016 Aug 1;18(8):817-25.

Comment: We need to discuss more in-depth how privacy concerns can be addressed when taking advantage of the significant benefits of online education. This article is a good start for pathology image sharing online.

The Benefits of Social Technology Use Among Older Adults Are Mediated by Reduced Loneliness.

This study found that the use of social media by older adults was associated with better self-rated health, fewer chronic illnesses, and less depression. Cyberpsychol Behav Soc Netw. 2016 Aug 19.

Comment: Close relationships improve health. Social media can facilitate strong, positive social connections and reduce loneliness with the benefit being better health.

Risks and Threats of Social Media Websites: Twitter and the Proana Movement.

This study found a large number of pro-anorexia (proana) twitter accounts (n=341). Of these accounts, the mean follower count was 2361, most accounts were females (98%), most teenagers (avg age=18), and only 6% presented a warning text about the dangerous content of their pro-anorexia twitter account.  (Cyberpsychol Behav Soc Netw. 2016 Mar 18)

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What Do Social Media Say About Makeovers? A Content Analysis of Cosmetic Surgery Videos and Viewers' Responses on YouTube.

YouTube videos on cosmetic surgery primarily are from cosmetic surgeons that use social media to help build up their clientele. While all of the videos promote the benefits of cosmetic surgery, very few address the risks.  (Health Commun. 2015 Sep;30(9):933-42)

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Social media beliefs and usage among family medicine residents and practicing family physicians.

This study of family medicine residents and practicing physicians found that appropriate social media use needs to be taught early in medical education.  (Fam Med. 2015 Mar;47(3):222-6.)

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Using social media for support and feedback by mental health service users: thematic analysis of a twitter conversation.

Online social media appears to be able to facilitate discussion between individuals with mental disorders to share information and develop understanding. It also has the potential to provide feedback to mental health service providers.  (BMC Psychiatry. 2015 Feb 19;15(1):29.)

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