Healthy Choices: Can Social Media fuel your Wellness Agenda?

Posted on March 22, 2016 by Chris Jones

Last month at #smchat #socialchange [link] we delved into emerging space of #ehealth. It was about how online-based medical services might find their way into your healthcare.

Does your wellness agenda stand a better chance?

On the surface, it’s an obvious “yes”. Wellness is far more a discussion of ideas and tips and metrics and testimonials. You might be tempted to call it safer ground. But as we discussed last time, the issues of trust are ever present when it comes to taking advice from strangers. You might read an article that’s full of claims and figures and success rates. If you’re in a hurry, or just passing through, you might take things for granted. If the message appeals to your desires or instincts, you might just embrace the wisdom espoused in your browser.

When you decide to act, how do you know if you’re doing the right thing, or wasting your time? Or worse, what if the advice proves to be detrimental to your health?

Of course, we can’t know for certain. The latin phrase “caveat emptor” rings true. Let the buyer beware. But using our skills gained on the internet and social media more specifically, we can engage our network, tap the wisdom of crowds, and maybe even apply some critical thinking. Let’s take some of the steps and filters in turn:

Q1. What sources are the most trustworthy? How might we tell?
Q2. What hashtags can bring the most valuable insights our way?
Q3. Are likes or favorites enough to filter out noise?
Q4. In the context of filters and advice, what can you share with your network when it comes to taking advice from the web?

Of course, don’t forget to consult with your doctor, when it comes to matters of health. That is your ultimate and safest source. But between visits, it can’t hurt getting smarter with the vast web-based resources at your finger tips.

I hope you will join us WEDS 3/23 from 1-2pm for #smchat #socialchange. Jump right in. It’s always a lively conversation.

Chris aka @sourcepov

This is the 3rd of our 3-part series on #health in SocialChange. Next month, we start a series on #politics. To track our progress, please take a look at our editorial calendar. We’re here every 4th WEDS at 1pm ET. Please plan to join us!