Social media influence in the COVID-19 Pandemic

• Published in: International Brazilian Journal of Urology Vol. 46; no. suppl.1; pp. 120 - 124
• Main Authors: González-Padilla, Daniel A, Tortolero-Blanco, Leonardo
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Brazil Sociedade Brasileira de Urologia 01.07.2020
• Subjects: Betacoronavirus; Consumer Health Information; Coronavirus Infections - epidemiology; COVID-19; COVID-19 diagnostic testing [Supplementary Concept]; Humans; Information Dissemination; Pandemics; Pneumonia, Viral - epidemiology; Review; SARS-CoV-2; Social Media; COVID-19 diagnostic testing [Supplementary Concept]; Social Media; Information Dissemination
• ISSN: 1677-5538; 1677-6119
• DOI: 10.1590/S1677-5538.IBJU.2020.S121

Never before in human history has it been possible to communicate so quickly during a pandemic, social media platforms have been a key piece for the dissemination of information; however, there are multiple advantages and disadvantages that must be considered. Responsible use of these tools can help quickly disseminate important new information, relevant new scientific findings, share diagnostic, treatment, and follow-up protocols, as well as compare different approaches globally, removing geographic boundaries for the first time in history. In order to use these tools in a responsible and useful way, it is recommended to follow some basic guidelines when sharing information on social networks in the COVID-19 era. In this paper, we summarize the most relevant information on the influence, and advantages, and disadvantages of the use of social networks during the COVID-19 pandemic.