The Younger You Are, The More Likely You’ll Post Or Research Health Questions On Twitter [Study]

by Mary C Long 

Have you ever posted on Twitter about a physical ailment or solicited feedback for a medical concern? If you’re between the ages of 18-24, you probably have!

According to a survey of 1,040 U.S. consumersput together by consulting firm PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), “young adults rely on social networks for healthcare information far more than older Americans. The survey found that more than 80% of those between the ages of 18 and 24 said they’re likely to share health information through social media channels — and nearly 90% said they would trust information found there.” 

If you want to see how your social media medical research (or lack thereof) compares to other online participants, check this out (and click the graph to be taken to the website where you can add your responses to the research, if you so choose: 

And, FYI for doctors: “Although health activity on social media lags behind non-health related activity, it’s expected to catch up in the future. Twenty-seven percent of consumers reported posting reviews of restaurants, hotels or products, while 17% said they posted reviews of doctors.” And they’re just as likely to post negative feedback as they are to post positive feedback. Yikes. ​

But, interestingly, consumers aren’t necessarily wild about doctors seeking feedback from online physician communities. Odd, that. So we’re fine with sleuthing our own medical concerns, but when it comes to doctors sharing info we balk at THAT? Doesn’t make much sense really. ​

What do you think of these stats? Does it ring true to your experience? Have you ever posted a review of a doctor? And will you seek out or post health questions going forward? 

​This post originally appeared on Social Times

​IMAGE CREDIT: ALEXANDRE NORMAND