PLATFORMS
Several people have their own personal accounts on social media. Social media can be utilized in various ways in the field of social and healthcare, improving interaction, information dissemination, and community engagement.
Social media provides a platform to share information about health issues, prevention, and various treatment options. Links to articles and videos can be shared to help people better understand health-related topics. Additionally, social media enables the creation of communities that bring together individuals with similar interests. It serves as a novel way to offer a support network where members can share experiences, provide support, and receive information. Health professionals can actively participate in various discussions using social media.
Social media can also be used to increase visibility for one’s work. For example, YouTube channels offer insights into social and healthcare-related professions. Additionally, professionals can organize live broadcasts, webinars, and share educational materials through social media. This helps people better comprehend health-related matters and provides them with an opportunity to ask questions directly to experts. Social media also offers tools to monitor opinions and discussions.
However, it is crucial to consider privacy and ethical aspects when using social media, ensuring that its use aligns with industry guidelines. My employer has issued a separate social media guide for the staff, emphasizing the loyalty obligation that binds employees. Even when using private accounts, it is essential to consider the reputation of the employer while operating online.
My employer utilizes popular social media platforms such as Facebook, X, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Instagram, maintained and updated by communication services. The goal is to create a positive image of the organization and act as a communication tool. My employer encourages employees to participate in professional discussions and network on social media.
While using social media in my role as a paramedic I initially didn’t think about how I could benefit from it in my daily work. However, I use social media in my personal time, where there is a lot of professional content. Still, I am cautious about the content and approach it with skepticism.
Social Media Platforms
I use Instagram the most among social media platforms. I follow several accounts of social and healthcare professionals who share valuable content. However, I approach the content with caution and trust information backed by reliable sources.
Following Instagram, I use Facebook. The topics covered on Facebook are similar to those on Instagram. I approach the content on Facebook with reservations. In the field of social and healthcare, Facebook is an excellent platform for sharing information, expert communication, and various announcements due to its extensive user base.
YouTube
YouTube is the only social media platform that I genuinely use in my work. Workplaces have shared videos made by vocational schools demonstrating different nursing procedures. These videos have been integrated into workplace training. Moreover, YouTube offers videos on various nursing equipment and their correct usage, which I have watched at work.
I use WhatsApp daily. It is a messaging service that allows sending text, voice, and video messages, as well as pictures, files, and videos among users. We have a group on WhatsApp for communication among employees, primarily for non-work-related matters. WhatsApp’s security has been a topic of discussion in recent years.
Signal
At my workplace, we have transitioned to using Signal for work-related communication due to its reputation for security and privacy. I also use Signal for purposes other than work-related communication. I believe Signal is more secure than WhatsApp.
Social media offers users many opportunities and advantages. However, it is essential to remember that it also has its challenges. While social media creates a sense of community and facilitates extensive communication, it also brings social pressures, self-esteem issues, especially among younger users, and cyberbullying. Additionally, continuous exposure to social media can lead to addiction.
Self-Assessment
I explored the use of social media in social and healthcare work and realized its diverse possibilities in improving interaction, information dissemination, and community engagement. I observed that social media can effectively be used to share health-related information, prevention strategies, and treatment options. It can also enhance the visibility of one’s work. Overall, I now have a better understanding of the versatility of social media and its potential benefits, while being mindful of its challenges, especially regarding privacy and ethical considerations.
Leave a Reply