Yeusvi Flores: Health in the digital age

In the digital age, social media has emerged as a powerful tool to influence various aspects of daily life, including health, and has even had a special day on the calendar to commemorate it (June 30, Social Media Day).

Through platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok and YouTube, it is possible to access a vast amount of information and resources that promote healthy lifestyles and preventive medicine practices.

Health organizations and medical professionals use these platforms to share information about nutrition, exercise, mental health and disease prevention. For example, campaigns such as “Movember” use social media to raise awareness about men’s health, including prostate and testicular cancer prevention.

Social networks facilitate the creation of online communities where people can share their experiences, challenges and achievements, building a healthy society to share personal achievements, such as completing a race, reaching a weight loss goal and even forming support groups to deal with feared diseases such as cancer.

The combination of social media with mobile apps and health monitoring devices has revolutionized self-management of health. Wearable devices, such as smartwatches and fitness trackers, allow users to track their physical activity, sleep quality, heart rate and other health indicators, thereby engaging them in direct monitoring of their health.

Public health campaigns have found social media to be an effective medium for disseminating preventive information. During the Covid-19 pandemic, social media was essential for informing the population about preventive measures, symptoms, and vaccination locations. Similarly, vaccination campaigns against influenza and other diseases can reach a wider and more diverse audience through these channels. Social media can also be used to send reminders and alerts about medical check-ups, vaccinations, and screenings.

Despite its benefits, social media also presents risks, such as the spread of misinformation. It is crucial for users to verify the source of information and trust content from recognized health entities and certified medical professionals. While social media has the potential to be a powerful tool in promoting healthy lifestyles and preventative medicine, the responsibility for verifying the quality of the content consumed falls on the individual and should not replace an in-person assessment by a health specialist.

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