INTRODUCTION
As of 2019, 79% of Americans have a social media profile, with the majority using platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram.1 Social media was originally created to connect with family and friends, but individuals now use it to self-promote, to disseminate information, and for activism. Physicians are even more likely to use social media than the general population, with 87% having an account in 2011.2 In the medical community, social media allows for the distribution of health information and may increase healthcare access by connecting patients and physicians.3,4 Despite these benefits, there is also concern among practitioners about the misuse of social media given its lack of regulation, which may lead to inappropriate online consultations, spread of false information, and HIPAA violations.3
Social media has a particularly large presence in dermatology, with many dermatologists asserting that social media can help build their personal brands.5,6 Some practitioners even recommend hiring social media managers to monitor online reviews and mitigate any damage.7 While the frequency of social media use by dermatologists is unknown, their utilization is likely similar to or even greater than that of other specialists given dermatology is a highly visual field, making platforms like Instagram ideal. Dermatology organizations and journals are also increasingly using social media as a way to publicize articles, meetings, and outreach opportunities. In 2017, 18% of dermatology journals had Facebook and 17% were active on Twitter,8 which represented increased use from 20129. Further, 87% of patient-centered organizations were on Facebook in 20178 and 89% of pediatric dermatology advocacy groups had a social media account as of 2015.10
Dermatology residency programs are also joining social media. One study found that as of 2019, 23% of programs had Facebook, 11% were on Twitter, 7% had Instagram, and 4% had all three platforms.11 Social media can be useful for increasing res-
Social media has a particularly large presence in dermatology, with many dermatologists asserting that social media can help build their personal brands.5,6 Some practitioners even recommend hiring social media managers to monitor online reviews and mitigate any damage.7 While the frequency of social media use by dermatologists is unknown, their utilization is likely similar to or even greater than that of other specialists given dermatology is a highly visual field, making platforms like Instagram ideal. Dermatology organizations and journals are also increasingly using social media as a way to publicize articles, meetings, and outreach opportunities. In 2017, 18% of dermatology journals had Facebook and 17% were active on Twitter,8 which represented increased use from 20129. Further, 87% of patient-centered organizations were on Facebook in 20178 and 89% of pediatric dermatology advocacy groups had a social media account as of 2015.10
Dermatology residency programs are also joining social media. One study found that as of 2019, 23% of programs had Facebook, 11% were on Twitter, 7% had Instagram, and 4% had all three platforms.11 Social media can be useful for increasing res-
