Social Media in Dermatology and an Overview of Popular Social Media Platforms

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Social media provides an accessible and increasingly popular avenue for sharing healthcare information, networking, and outreach in dermatology. We provide an overview of prominent social media platforms, also known as applications or apps, as well as a discussion of their influence and implications for the field. RECENT FINDINGS: The various collaborative features of Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Snapchat, and other emerging platforms have proven appealing to organizations and users seeking dermatology-related content and medical advice. However, the potential for propagation of inaccurate or even dangerous information is high. SUMMARY: Despite the risks associated with social media usage, dermatology can benefit from opportunities to connect and engage with audiences through these platforms. Dermatologists should be encouraged to increase their presence on multiple social media apps to dispel and counteract misleading posts with evidence-based knowledge.