From late nights spent staring at Instagram feeds to thumb injuries from scrolling too much (seriously), social media has a serious effect on patient health. While the impact on physical health might not be as prevalent, the effects on mental and emotional health can be very serious.

The Power of Social Media for Public Health

One of the most beneficial effects of social media and mobile connectivity on public health has been the opportunity for more healthcare providers to meet patients where they are. The Suicide Hotline expanded to add chat and text messaging options, allowing people of any age to receive crisis mental health consultations anywhere in the country at any time. Facebook has also added a feature where friends can anonymously report a post that another friend makes as concerning, and the platform will provide the friend with mental health resources. These are just two examples of how social media can provide people with health resources when they are at their most vulnerable.

Social media also makes health information more accessible, which can be a good or bad thing. While it makes it easier for people in food deserts to learn creative ways to prepare healthy food on a budget without access to a great deal of produce, it can also make it easy to disseminate false medical information.

Social media can also be an excellent place for vulnerable patients to connect with one another. It can be especially empowering for patients with rare conditions to meet people, across the country or the world, who are experiencing the exact same thing. While some patients would have suffered their entire lives with loneliness, social media can provide them with a place to connect.

The Negative Effects on Patient Health

Social media addiction is a growing problem, especially in young adults and teenagers who are used to spending the majority of their time on digital devices. An estimated 210 million people are suffering from addiction to social media. Young, single females are the most likely to deal with an addiction. Don’t think you’re a compulsive social media user? 50% of people driving while using a smartphone are checking social media apps. Over 70% of adults sleep with or next to their cellphone. Finally, almost 75% of Americans check Facebook on a daily basis.

As providers, it’s important to realize that patients might be using social media as a stand-in for other healthy parts of life, like spending time with friends and family. Or, they might be using social media to distract themselves from mental health difficulties.

What are the potential negative effects of social media on physical patient health?

• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome from typing and swiping on a mobile phone too frequently
• Eye problems can occur from staring at screens for long periods of time
• Chronic fatigue is common in teenagers who stay up late to check social media networks instead of getting enough sleep
• Lack of exercise or an increased risk of leading a sedentary lifestyle
• Distraction while walking or driving, which can lead to accidents or injuries

Improve your Practice Health with Vetters Enterprises

Vetters Enterprises specializes in practice management, private practice business support and revenue cycle optimization. We can perform in-depth assessments of your practice or facility and identify potential issues. Let us keep your business as healthy as you keep your patients! Give us a call at (443) 352-0088.