Describe how social media has been used for personal or general health information dissemination and health information utilization. Choose one of the policies cited in this module and describe what are the implications of this policy to your example of health information use in social media.
Very well said, Erika! I too had a similar anecdote on what I experienced in my clinical duty in the community. My former client shared that he and his family rely more on social media than having themselves checked in health centers, hospitals, or any other healthcare facility. While it is convenient to have information accessed in the comfort of our own gadgets and homes, we must emphasize that these platforms are not totally reliable at all times. I also appreciate how you shed light on the Philippine eHealth Systems and Services Act as it shows the presence of established policies to address the issue. It all boils down how the provisions under this law is utilized and mandated for the benefit of the Filipinos.
Great insights, Lynze! I completely resonates with your thoughts as I too shed light on the alarming consequences of social media misuse. TikTok and its content creators have captured most, if not all, Filipinos and their lives. I agree that it is our shared responsibility to be cautious in whatever we post online so as to avoid any problems that can put ourselves and our patients at risk.
Social media has become a powerful platform for disseminating health information and engaging individuals in health-related discussions. It is widely used for personal health sharing, where users discuss experiences with illnesses, treatments, and outcomes. For instance, individuals often share their struggles and recoveries from chronic conditions, forming supportive communities. On a broader scale, health professionals, institutions, and public health agencies utilize social media to disseminate accurate and timely health information (Antonio et al., 2016). Campaigns for awareness about diseases like tuberculosis and cancer, vaccination drives, or responses to public health emergencies are commonly shared on platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and TikTok (Zaldarriaga, 2021). These platforms also facilitate real-time health communication, providing updates about outbreaks, health advisories, and recommendations for preventive actions (Antonio et al., 2016; Zaldarriaga, 2021).
However, the use of social media for health information is not without risks. The open nature of these platforms increases the potential for breaches of privacy and confidentiality, whether through unauthorized sharing of sensitive health information or the unintentional dissemination of personal data by users themselves (Antonio et al., 2016). Furthermore, the credibility of health information shared on social media can vary, potentially leading to misinformation or harm (Antonio et al., 2016; Zaldarriaga, 2021).
Considering all this, the Data Privacy Act of 2012 (RA 10173) has significant implications for the use of health information on social media. The law mandates the protection of personal data, emphasizing the rights of individuals to control their private information. Under this policy, health information shared on social media—if it includes identifiable and private details—falls under the purview of protection. This means that sharing someone else’s health information without consent, even for seemingly benign purposes, constitutes a breach of the law.Social media has been one, if not the, most widely used form of technological advancement today. From communication up to information dissemination, it has established itself to be one of the major platforms all of us consider as we feed through information. Furthermore, it has also deviated from its original purpose of personal use as it has transitioned to become one of the major vehicles for large scale dissemination of health information. This was evident throughout the progress of healthcare and medicine over the years and in the public health crisis of our recent memory, the COVID-19 pandemic (Girardi et al., 2021). Another use of social media besides health surveillance and information dissemination is its ability to connect its users to offer social support that is also pivotal in addressing the psychological and emotional aspects of health. Abroms (2019) highlighted in one of her studies the provision of support that social media brings to its users in tending their emotional and behavioral needs in conjunction to assessing information necessary for health promotion and education. But for all its worth, social media has its limitations. The dilemma on the ethics of privacy, consent, and confidentiality of users is omnipresent as continuous access to social media can divulge personal information either intentionally or unintentionally.
For example, the platform TikTok is arguably the most utilized social media platform by Filipinos today. It provides an avenue for various purposes and contents, including those tackling health and medicine. The rise to fame of several healthcare professionals turned content creators has been a double edged sword for users that feed through their posted contents. While their posted contents bring awareness and knowledge to people at the easy comfort of their gadgets and homes, it poses a risk towards confidentiality and privacy specifically to those patients that are although not explicitly identified but can still be recognized in ways like their voices and penmanship. Moreover, social media information posted in platforms like TikTok can be fabricated and manipulated, leading to false content and a sense of privacy, leading to worse outcomes of misconceptions that can be detrimental to one’s health and well-being (Knight Foundation, 2016).
Considering outcomes like this has been the worry for most healthcare professionals as it may breach patient confidentiality and may result in consequences attributed in established laws like RA 10173, more commonly known as the Data Privacy Act of 2012. This provision of this law “protects the fundamental human right of privacy and communication while ensuring the free flow of information to promote innovation and growth.” (National Privacy Commission, 2024). Although the intention is to provide health education and information, which is good and objective, the fact that some content creators divulge pieces of their past or present client’s information clearly violates the privacy and confidentiality of their health information. Furthermore, the lack of regulation in social media poses, specifically in TikTok, poses a potential risk for both patient safety and integrity of information disseminated. As all contents can be freely posted without proper filtering of what is considered factual, it can lead to a public health crisis on knowledge management that can be pivotal on patient’s compliance and trust on the legitimacy of the healthcare services they avail from medical professionals and institutions.
Ultimately, our priority is always for the greater good of the many. Social media is undeniably our lifeline of today. It has changed the way our lives worked and brought about benefits that we never thought possible. Nevertheless, we should never forget its possible consequences if not properly managed. It is our responsibility to utilize these platforms in the most responsible way that we can. Especially in relation to healthcare that our single click, post, share, or like can cause the life and health of millions of people that use the same platform.
REFERENCES:
Abroms, L. C. (2019). Public Health in the Era of Social Media. American Journal of Public Health, 109(S2), S130–S131. https://doi.org/10.2105/ajph.2018.304947
Girardi, A., Singh, N. P., & Boyd, C. J. (2021). Using Social Media in Health Care Research Should Proceed With Caution. Comment on “The Use of Social Media for Health Research Purposes: Scoping Review” (Preprint). Journal of Medical Internet Research, 24(1). https://doi.org/10.2196/35286
Knight Foundation (2016). Disinformation, “Fake News” and Influence Campaigns on Twitter. https://knightfoundation.org/reports/disinformation-fake-news-and-influence-campaigns-on-twitter/
National Privacy Commission (2024). Republic Act 10173 - Data Privacy Act of 2012. https://privacy.gov.ph/data-privacy-act/#w2
I appreciate the specific details you have provided, Kuya Drix! Indeed, we sometimes miss out how data privacy is not upheld when it comes to healthcare professionals sharing some of the information of their previous patients online, with the intent for it to serve as a learning experience or example. Although there is no direct intention to violate confidentiality, it is crucial to really be careful in what we share online as information can be spread easily through social platforms. Thank you for this!
You’ve raised an excellent point, Rainne! About the risks medical professionals face on platforms like TikTok. The misuse of their identities for unverified products is indeed alarming and highlights the importance of Section 12 of the Philippine Data Privacy Act in protecting personal and professional integrity. I agree that, like patients, healthcare providers deserve safeguards to prevent these violations.
I totally agree with you, sis. I’ve also observed various advertisements popping up on blog sites and even on social media like Facebook, using the names of healthcare content creators to promote beauty products, food supplements, and all sorts of stuff. Then, I found out they didn’t even endorse these things. Their faces were just used to make everything look more legit and to get people to buy. I just hope they face the repercussions of their actions under RA 10173 that we have.
I completely agree with your point about the misuse of personal photos and videos for commercial purposes, Jana! It’s frustrating to see how often content is taken without consent, especially for deceptive claims like promoting weight-loss products. Your example perfectly highlights the importance of Section 3(g) of the Data Privacy Act, emphasizing that even public social media posts are protected by privacy rights.
Hi, great ideas here, ate Kate! We share some similar insights in how even government agencies, hospitals, and other organizations have now utilized the strengths of social media in order to disseminate important health information the the masses. A great point you've included is the importance of patient confidentiality when these agencies, hospitals, and organizations post on social media. It can be so easy to miss private information mistakenly being posted, especially in pictures where even a glimpse of patient records captured in the camera's view can wind up violating patient privacy. That's why it is so important for healthcare workers on social media to be vigilant in what they post to ensure their patients' confidentiality is not compromised.
Reading your insights made me remember about this incident too, Aniela. I remember how this sparked numerous discourse among healthcare professionals and even those not involved in the field of healthcare, especially that what the student nurse did can also be considered unethical. This incident hopefully served as a learning experience, not only for her but to everyone in the healthcare field to be conscious and careful enough in what we share online as we may not notice that even the smallest actions can aggravate into bigger issues in terms of patient privacy and confidentiality.
Nowadays, the use of social media for health information dissemination and utilization is prevalent, given the accessibility of technology to most people. Social media applications such as Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube are among the most used social media platforms for disseminating information about health in different aspects. Some people share their thoughts on a specific diet, product, and experience that concerns their health, which tends to reach a wide audience through the spread of information on social media. Social media is also used to gather essential information from people, such as during feedback surveys on a specific topic or ratings for a particular health service or product. This is to gather information in a faster and less hassle way as people can easily access links through the provision of QR codes. With this in mind, the responses from people in such scenarios should be treated with respect and dignity especially when they will be used for the intended aim to improve a health product or service. I perceive that the Data Privacy Act of 2012 is crucial in this scenario as whoever healthcare professional or institution is in charge of a product or service must safeguard the privacy of every individual. This implies that the data gathered from health consumers should only be used for the sole purpose of improving service, and personal information, when gathered, should be protected religiously to avoid any breach of privacy and confidentiality.
Reference:
National Privacy Commission. (2024, July 22). Republic Act 10173 - Data Privacy Act of 2012. National Privacy Commission. https://privacy.gov.ph/data-privacy-act/
Social media has become a powerful tool in healthcare systems, utilized both by individuals and organizations. Doctors use it as a means of interaction with other healthcare professionals. Messaging platforms such as Telegram and Discord are now used in healthcare institutions to optimize teamwork in hospitals. Such platforms facilitate the exchange of patient data and the sending of doctors’ orders, thus increasing efficiency.
Despite the benefits social media platforms offer, it is important to note that sharing health information on social media platforms poses privacy concerns as it involves publicly disclosing confidential patient information and sensitive data that could potentially harm individuals. In this regard, the Health Privacy Code of Joint Administrative Order No. 2016-0002, also known as the 'Privacy Guidelines for the Implementation of the Philippine Health Information Exchange' Code, mandates that the use and sharing of health information should only be for the specific purposes consented to by the patient or their authorized representative.
References
Chen, J., & Wang, Y. (2021). Social Media Use for Health Purposes: Systematic Review. Journal of medical Internet research, 23(5), e17917. https://doi.org/10.2196/17917
Department of Health. (2016, January 20). Health Privacy Code Specifying the Joint A.O. No. 2016-0002, “Privacy Guidelines for the Implementation of the Philippine Health Information Exchange.”. Data Guidance. https://www.dataguidance.com/sites/default/files/health_privacy_code_as_reviewed_by_npc_05.24.2017.pdf
Hello, Nath! I like how you focused on the use of virtual applications for messaging and telehealth consultations between doctors and patients alike. While the efficiency of these platforms greatly help in speeding up the process of consultations and paving the way for those who are unable to meet face-to-face, it is also something that must be thread carefully. Especially with data breach concerns, it is important that patient data is protected. Moreover, both healthcare professionals and patients must not disclose the information talked about in these meetings beyond the agreed platform of messaging and consultation.
References:
Antibiotic use and antimicrobial resistance facts. (2024, April 22). Antibiotic Prescribing and Use. https://www.cdc.gov/antibiotic-use/data-research/facts-stats/index.html
Implementing Rules and Regulations of the Data Privacy Act of 2012. (2023, June 15). National Privacy Commission. https://privacy.gov.ph/implementing-rules-regulations-data-privacy-act-2012/
World Health Organization: WHO. (2023, November 21). Antimicrobial resistance. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/antimicrobial-resistance
In the present day, social media has become a powerful tool for the dissemination of different information, with health information being one vital example. Because of the widespread use if social media and the constant need to stay connected, platforms such as Facebook, TikTok and YouTube have enabled individuals and organizations alike to share and to educate on health matters such as common diseases (processes, symptoms, prevention). Even government agencies such as the DOH and hospital departments have taken to disseminating important health information and are able to conduct health education through a screen.
Despite the benefits of ease of access to sharing and consuming health information online, this accessibility has its own consequences. One in particular would be the dissemination of poor-quality, or worse, false health-related information (Calderon & Chua, 2017). Social media and users of such platforms tendsl to hold anecdotal evidence in high regard due to the personal nature of how these types of information are shared. But because of this, health information that is provided may be nonfactual and nonbeneficial to those who come across that information. In the future, there must be ways to further regulate what is shared online to ensure the reliability of health information published, even on social media sites.
Even so, the Philippine eHealth Systems and Services Act ensures that healthcare services are accessible to all through electronic means. Thus, social media continues to be a good opportunity for the dissemination of health information. as long as it is regulated and utilized appropriately.
References
Calderon, P., & Chua, E. (2017). Ethical comportment and responsibilities of healthcare practitioners on social media: Challenges and opportunities in the Philippine setting. Journal of the Association of Philippine Medical Colleges, 2. https://www.herdin.ph/index.php?view=research&cid=68535
There are many ways wherein social media has been used for both personal and general health information dissemination as well as health information utilization. One is where we can share our own experiences regarding our own health which can help inform others, another is deliberately posting facts regarding health to help inform others. We can say that social media is mostly a part of our lives in our current society. One might stumble upon health information unintentionally and might have needed that information, or end up gaining information they can utilize for future use or to educate others. Sometimes, people also opt to seek health information on social media to read about the experience of others; the familiar user interface making it easier for them to navigate.
Out of the many laws and policies related to nursing informatics, the Data Privacy Act of 2012 (RA 10173) is the law I remind myself the most when it comes to handling my patients. For me, nursing has been a tough but fulfilling journey. As a person who likes to share things to my followers on social media, I also tell them about my nursing experience. Before every post, I remind myself of patient privacy and confidentiality; that it is a privilege to know the lives and conditions of my patients, and they shouldn’t be shared to anyone else. On social media, I try my best to be vague as much as possible or not mentioning anything about my patients at all that I know would violate RA 101173, but instead focusing more on sharing my learning experience as a student nurse. :) I also like to share the health learnings I acquired either during in class or in my clinical duties to my followers to help them become more aware of their health and take care of it.
Social media platforms like Facebook and Tiktok have become widely used for information dissemination as we can already see, given their wide audience and already established high engagement among the public, especially Filipinos. In my personal experience, even health information dissemination is popular on these platforms. For example, healthcare professionals like those physicians social media influencers as well as government and private health organizations efficiently utilize these mediums to communicate and engage with the public on health-related concerns which include health advice and tips for managing certain illnesses.
Based on personal experience, there came a point that even social media even became the primary source of health information for many individuals aside from healthcare providers, whom some of them rarely meet unless they have a certain health condition that requires consultation. Until then, they rely on the most accessible platforms at home for immediate health information. Some people even share others’ experiences or journeys of battling their illnesses with the notion of connecting, inspiring, or bringing certain awareness to the public. Though the intention is there to help others, one must be really mindful when sharing this kind of personal information and experiences. Aside from the fact that it might be sensitive, another concern is that it is not yours to share. Another, the question is, did you have the consent to share it. This is where the implications of Republic Act 10173 or also known as the Data Privacy Act of 2012 come in. This law protects individuals’ personal information even online including the personal health data of the concerned person.
In this law, it requires consent from the owner because without it, sharing such information leads to violations of that person’s privacy. Another implication is that sharing this kind of sensitive health information even if it is just treatment details, what more the details of a person’s condition and that the whole story may have been fabricated, which could be misused by others or could cause harm to the person concerned.
Social media has significantly influenced Filipinos, becoming a powerful tool for various purposes, particularly in the dissemination of information. However, this influence has reached a point where many digital netizens tend to trust content from platforms like TikTok, Facebook Reels, and other social media channels over consulting a physician for their health concerns.
Despite this, social media does offer advantages, such as raising health and lifestyle awareness. For example, one of my community patients learned about a recent pertussis outbreak through information shared by the Department of Health (DOH) on their Facebook page. This prompted her to become more vigilant about her baby’s vaccinations and adopt preventive measures to avoid infection.
Nevertheless, the challenges posed by misinformation and disinformation are significant, as inaccurate content can endanger patient safety. Healthcare providers are further challenged by the need to protect data privacy while keeping pace with the rapid advancements in healthcare technology.
In the context of eHealth, several factors must be considered to ensure its effective implementation. These include the unique characteristics of individuals, the perceived urgency or necessity for eHealth in the organization, and the involvement of third parties. Moreover, the complexity, adaptability, usability, and compatibility of eHealth systems in connecting and exchanging information with other platforms are critical aspects that must not be overlooked (Bonito & Evio, 2024)
Considering these factors, the Health Privacy Code of Joint Administrative Order No. 2016-0002, otherwise known as the “Privacy Guidelines for the Implementation of the Philippine Health Information Exchange” Code, has provided a framework to ensure the protection of health information within the Philippine Health Information Exchange (PHIE).
To better contextualize the implication of this code in social media, take the case of a student nurse who uploaded a video of her patient while being resuscitated. Despite the lack of personal information shared in that video, she has provided her patient’s vital signs, which violates the patient’s rights. Other than this, when sharing patient information with another healthcare professional, we should be careful in the platform we use (e.g., Viber, Messenger), and ensure that the used channel is checked for any hacking activity or bugs to ensure the confidentiality and integrity of the information.
Reference
Evio BD, Bonito SR. Formative Evaluation of the Implementation of eHealth in the Philippines: A Qualitative Study. Acta Med Philipp. 2024 Jul 15;58(12):35-47. doi: 10.47895/amp.v58i12.9289. PMID: 39071527; PMCID: PMC11272894.
Social media has significantly influenced Filipinos, becoming a powerful tool for various purposes, particularly in the dissemination of information. However, this influence has reached a point where many digital netizens tend to trust content from platforms like TikTok, Facebook Reels, and other social media channels over consulting a physician for their health concerns.
Despite this, social media does offer advantages, such as raising health and lifestyle awareness. For example, one of my community patients learned about a recent pertussis outbreak through information shared by the Department of Health (DOH) on their Facebook page. This prompted her to become more vigilant about her baby’s vaccinations and adopt preventive measures to avoid infection.
Nevertheless, the challenges posed by misinformation and disinformation are significant, as inaccurate content can endanger patient safety. Healthcare providers are further challenged by the need to protect data privacy while keeping pace with the rapid advancements in healthcare technology.
In the context of eHealth, several factors must be considered to ensure its effective implementation. These include the unique characteristics of individuals, the perceived urgency or necessity for eHealth in the organization, and the involvement of third parties. Moreover, the complexity, adaptability, usability, and compatibility of eHealth systems in connecting and exchanging information with other platforms are critical aspects that must not be overlooked (Bonito & Evio, 2024)
Considering these factors, the Health Privacy Code of Joint Administrative Order No. 2016-0002, otherwise known as the “Privacy Guidelines for the Implementation of the Philippine Health Information Exchange” Code, has provided a framework to ensure the protection of health information within the Philippine Health Information Exchange (PHIE).
To better contextualize the implication of this code in social media, take the case of a student nurse who uploaded a video of her patient while being resuscitated. Despite the lack of personal information shared in that video, she has provided her patient’s vital signs, which violates the patient’s rights. Other than this, when sharing patient information with another healthcare professional, we should be careful in the platform we use (e.g., Viber, Messenger), and ensure that the used channel is checked for any hacking activity or bugs to ensure the confidentiality and integrity of the information.
Reference
Evio BD, Bonito SR. Formative Evaluation of the Implementation of eHealth in the Philippines: A Qualitative Study. Acta Med Philipp. 2024 Jul 15;58(12):35-47. doi: 10.47895/amp.v58i12.9289. PMID: 39071527; PMCID: PMC11272894.
Great point, Kirsten! We so often talk about healthcare workers violating patient privacy, but you made me think about other social media users who aren't in the healthcare field — it's definitely true that they are at risk of exposing their own private information, especially for those who lack digital literacy! That's why educating others on becoming more digitally literate, especially in contexts such as these, is so vital.
We share the same thoughts, Matthew! Everything we share online must be really handled with care. As mentioned also by our classmates, misinformation in social media is rampant. I like how you provided a concrete example in the Philippine context. Moreover, I also like that you highlighted the roles we play in protecting the privacy of our patients.
I agree with you, Candice Dawn E. Sibug! Now that there is an overflow of health-related information that is also much accessible with just one click, a policy is needed to ensure the credibility of these information. By doing this, not only we can sure that the digital citizens are literate when it comes to health, but we can also ensure that what their accessing will not pose any harm or consequences in their overall well-being.
Great point, Aira Marie Balilo! Although the accessibility of social media is pose a huge advantage for us to easily disseminate information, we should still keep in mind the importance of our patient’s privacy and confidentiality as this is also one way for us to show respect to our patients.
We have the same experience with it, boii, that's why I totally agree with you. First off, I want to know your uncle's thoughts on your relative sharing his health situation on social media. I thought he might have two opinions on this: it might be okay for him or not okay. In that case, I hope they should have just asked for his consent first, regardless.
Hi, Jerome! I definitely agree with your sentiments. Social media has been very useful in contacting other people and disseminating health-related data for advisories and recommendations. Undeniably, there are a lot of 'health influencers' who, intentionally or unintentionally, reveal some kind of information regarding people's health and lives. The use of social media is a double-edge sword, a lot of people are quick in their feet to tracing the ones that are cited in posts. With this, we must keep in mind the provision in the Data Privacy Act of 2012, and ensure that all data that can be traced to patients are omitted. As they say, "think before you click."
The COVID-19 pandemic has undeniably contributed the use of social media for the dissemination of both personal and general health information. Given the global health crisis, social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok have become essential tools for sharing health updates and guidelines. These platforms are not only used by individuals but also by health organizations like the Department of Health (DOH) and the World Health Organization (WHO). According to the WHO (2019), social media holds significant potential for public health intelligence, especially in the context of providing early warnings about public health threats. It allows for rapid communication of public health advisories, outbreak updates, and important recommendations. Similarly, Bosano (2024) highlighted that platforms such as TikTok, Facebook, and those run by local government units (LGUs) are effective tools for combating misinformation—especially misinformation about vaccines—by engaging audiences and sharing accurate health information.
One key policy that plays a crucial role in this shift toward digital health communication is the Data Privacy Act of 2012. This law is fundamental in ensuring the protection of personal data and safeguarding individuals' privacy rights in an increasingly digital world. In the context of health information dissemination, this policy is vital in maintaining confidentiality and ethical standards. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, health data and details about outbreaks were widely shared on social media platforms. However, the Data Privacy Act ensures that personal data, such as the identities of those affected by COVID-19, remains confidential. This is particularly important for contact-tracing of patients, as their privacy is protected under the law. By adhering to the Data Privacy Act, health organizations, like the DOH and WHO, can ensure that they disseminate crucial health information while respecting the privacy and rights of individuals involved in such situations, upholding ethical and lawful standards of communication.
References
Bosano, R. (2024, October 08). DOH urged to use social media, online platforms to inform public on important health issues. ABS-CBN. https://www.abs-cbn.com/lifestyle/health-wellness/2024/10/8/doh-urged-to-use-social-media-online-platforms-to-inform-public-on-important-health-issues-1936
WHO (2019). Social Media: Hope or Hype?. https://www.who.int/initiatives/eios/global-technical-meeting-2019/presentations/social-media-hope-or-hype
In the Philippines, social media has become a staple to the masses. It has become indispensable in information dissemination and knowledge acquisition. One of the areas where social media has flourished is in healthcare, where it has become especially vital during the pandemic. Social media became an avenue to share health resources, combating misinformation, and promoting health campaigns.
But this has become a double-edged sword in the long run. Various risks arise with such a situation, including possible breaches of patient privacy (Ventola, 2014). A concrete example of this would include content creators who share their day-to-day experiences as health professionals, possibly hoping to share their craft and provide information regarding health. Some, but not all, of these content creators may inadvertently reveal patient data that is supposed to be private and undisclosed. This violates the Data Privacy Act of 2012 or Philippine Republic Act 10173 which states that personal information shall not be processed and revealed. Although it is important to share various professions and educate the masses about the scope and realities of certain professions, a health professional must always take into consideration this act before posting on social media.
Reference:
Ventola, C. L. (2014, July). Social Media and health care professionals: Benefits, risks, and best practices. P & T : a peer-reviewed journal for formulary management. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4103576/
Social media has been a vital tool for health information dissemination and utilization during the COVID-19 pandemic, but its effects are multifaceted. Platforms like Twitter and Facebook allowed healthcare professionals and organizations to share evidence-based practices, including palliative care guidelines, while fostering collaboration and providing emotional support to practitioners and the public. These interactions addressed critical issues such as dignity and quality of life in care. However, as Hammond (2020) highlights, social media also has a darker side; unregulated posts often shift from sharing legitimate concerns to amplifying anxiety and misinformation. This underscores the importance of using social media responsibly to balance accurate information-sharing with emotional well-being (Hammond, 2020; Morris, 2020).
The misuse of social media, such as a nursing student posting a TikTok video of a client expiring or coding, highlights a grave breach of the Data Privacy Act of 2012 (Republic Act 10173), which mandates the protection of personal and sensitive information. Beyond the legal repercussions—such as fines, imprisonment, or loss of licensure—this act of negligence undermines the fundamental ethical duty of healthcare practitioners to uphold patient confidentiality and dignity. Such breaches erode public trust in the healthcare profession, harm the patient’s family, and reflect a lack of awareness or disregard for the serious consequences of mishandling sensitive health information. It serves as a critical reminder of the need for education on ethical social media use and the importance of respecting patients' rights in an increasingly digital age (National Privacy Commission, 2024).
References:
Hammond, C. (2020). COVID-19: When our social media posts shift from sharing concerns to fuelling anxiety. Nursing Standard. Retrieved from [https://rcni.com/nursing-standard/opinion/comment/covid-19-when-our-social-media-posts-shift-sharing-concerns-to-fuelling-anxiety-159541]
Morris, S. (2020). Social media, palliative care, and the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Evidence-Based Nursing Blog. Retrieved from [https://blogs.bmj.com/ebn/2020/06/07/social-media-palliative-care-and-the-coronavirus-covid-19-pandemic/]
National Privacy Commission. (2024, July 22). Republic Act 10173 - Data Privacy Act of 2012. National Privacy Commission. Retrieved from [https://privacy.gov.ph/data-privacy-act/]
Social media has become a significant contributor to health literacy of people. The Department of Health (DOH) and TB dots are just some organizations leveraging social media for efficient health education. Social media also offers platforms to people to share their personal experiences and tips about their health status. However, privacy of people might be put at risk as many individuals unknowingly expose their personal health data to risks of misuse.
To address these risks, the Data Privacy Act of 2012 in the Philippines helps protect individuals’ personal health data. This law requires organizations, including social media platforms, to obtain explicit consent from users before collecting or processing their sensitive information. Additionally, platforms are mandated to have adequate security measures to prevent data breaches and misuse (Republic Act No. 10173, 2012). The law also holds social media companies accountable, ensuring that users’ health data is not shared for unauthorized purposes, such as targeted advertising or data selling. While social media serves as an invaluable tool for health communication, the Data Privacy Act plays a crucial role in ensuring that users’ privacy is respected and protected.
References:
Republic Act No. 10173. (2012). Data Privacy Act of 2012. Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines. https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph
Social media has become a powerful tool for health information dissemination and utilization. It has become a go-to source, particularly for individuals with limited access to traditional healthcare to self-diagnose and self-medicate. As Kłak et al. (2017) noted, people often turn to the internet driven by curiosity, concern, or a desire to expand their knowledge. The rapid spread of information on social media platforms has revolutionized how health information is shared and consumed.
Health organizations like the WHO and DOH have used their social media platforms such as Facebook to educate the public on critical health issues, such as during pertussis outbreaks. Healthcare providers and physicians have also adopted social media to correct misinformation, provide health advice, and engage with patients. For instance, TikTok has become a popular platform for sharing health information. However, the rapid dissemination of information on social media also poses risks. Misinformation and disinformation can spread quickly, potentially leading to negative health outcomes. Therefore, it's crucial to approach social media with a critical eye and verify information from reliable sources.
People should be aware of privacy settings and refrain from oversharing sensitive information in order to protect personal health information. The Data Privacy Act of 2012 offers significant protections, but individual accountability is equally important. Healthcare providers, organizations, and social media platforms must prioritize data privacy and security, obtaining informed consent and limiting data collection. By using social media wisely, individuals can benefit from its potential to improve health outcomes while minimizing risks.
References:
