Social Media: Opportunity or threat to public health in context of Nepal

Abstract

Social media, one of the greatest tools for sharing information, are used for various purposes in health like educational and promotional activities, communication - of research findings and during crisis readiness. In addition, online conference and webinar for health purpose, e-procurement of health commodities and telemedicine are some domains where we use social media. In contrast to these, it brings out various ill impacts on health directly or indirectly, such as cyberbullying, depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, physical inactivity- a boost factor for non-communicable diseases and internet addiction. As this field is new in health and being used innovatively, issues of their effectiveness, privacy and confidentiality begin to rise. Moreover, authenticity of the health information available on social media is another issue, all of which need guidance by evidence based acts and regulations. Else, it may harm the belief of users on the platform, which is the future for health information sharing. With very few researches done regarding the use of internet and social media, and increasing addiction towards them possesses an extra threat to health in Nepal. Hence, research regarding possible hazards of social media use and relative effectiveness of social media over other communication channel is needed, to develop necessary strategies to overcome possible threats to health and utilize social media for health to its optimum potential.

The Practices of At-Source Segregation of Household Solid Waste by the Youths in Nepal

“…Te survey questionnaire was prepared on a Google form and distributed via Facebook. Facebook was purposively chosen to collect the data as it is the most popular social media in Nepal [41]. Online surveys using social media have been widely used during crises and disasters [42].…”

<p>Overview, Challenges and Future Prospects of Drug Information Services in Nepal: A Reflective Commentary</p>

“…The use of social media increases with increased use of smartphones. 40 The social media sites can be a useful platform for health care professionals to disseminate healthrelated information to the public, enhance professional connections, upgrade self-awareness regarding new discoveries and news and promote the health outcomes of patients. 41,42 In the current digital era, health-related information must be precise, evidence-based and authentic.…”

“…Portals such as Swasthya Khabar Patrika, Nepali health, Hamro health, Hamro doctor, Springboard and several blogs related to health and medicines are the platforms for people to interact on health and medicine related topics. 40 Portals like HealthIn, Drug information portal by NIH (US national library of medicine) Medline Plus, Medscape, Drugs.com, etc. can be easily accessed by the public for medicine-related information.…”

Social Media Disorder and Its Association with Depression and Self-Esteem Among the Adolescents of Kathmandu Metropolitan City: A Cross-Sectional Analytical Study

“…Although social media has helped us connect to the world, its overuse can lead to serious health problems like depression, anxiety, mania, eating disorders, sleep deprivation, insecurity, FEMO (Fear of missing out), internet addiction, and other anti-social behaviors. Among these problems, internet addiction can be considered a probable epidemic of this century [4]. Social media addiction is a subcategory of internet addiction.…”