YouTube as a Source of Information on Immunization: A Content Analysis

Abstract

aware of Internet video-sharing sites and should be prepared to respond to patients who obtain their health information from these sources. 5 The potential use of these sites for effective communication by health professionals should also be considered.

Lessons from an online debate about measles–mumps–rubella (MMR) immunization

“…Organised groups who are critical of immunization have been quick to capitalise on these environments and use social media to communicate their messages. Such groups are now active on Facebook, Twitter, MySpace [1], You Tube [2], message boards, and also have dedicated websites. [3][4][5] While opponents of immunization are limited in number, they are vocal and active.…”

Informational value and bias of videos related to orthodontics screened on a video-sharing Web site

“…Social platforms enable literally anyone to share their knowledge, opinions, and experience, and there is an increasing proportion of patient-generated content as a result. 9 In addition to the entertainment aspect associated with Internet video-sharing platforms such as YouTube, a further consideration is their role in advertising and providing patients and other laypersons with information, 1,14,15 as well as peer-to-peer education. [16][17][18][19][20][21] This is evident in the increasing number of journals and institutions, such as universities, that are independently running YouTube channels.…”

Portrayal of Smokeless Tobacco in YouTube Videos

“…While several researchers have studied tobacco imagery and the other health issues on YouTube (Ache & Wallace, 2008;Hossler & Conroy, 2008;Keelan, Pavri-Garcia, Tomlinson, & Wilson, 2007), no study to date has assessed the impact of YouTube videos on people's knowledge, attitudes, or behaviors. Previous studies have established that tobacco advertising and imagery can help normalize tobacco use by making tobacco appear desirable and socially acceptable, which in turn may influence youth to use tobacco (National Cancer Institute, 2008).…”