Doctors on social media combat misinformation.
In the early stages of COVID19, I remember government advice encouraging people to ignore social media and head straight to their websites for updates.
Accuracy is crucial in a pandemic, but this attitude missed a key point: accessibility. More than 18 million Aussies use #socialmedia today and some 80% of users get their news there.
Access will always trump authority. Rather than encouraging people to ignore social media, why not consider how best to harness its reach to shape positive behaviours and combat disinformation? Since then, the growing profile of doctors online has been an interesting trend.
While not considered a social media powerhouse, medical experts are increasingly using their online profiles to engage and educate the masses. Particularly those with established digital brands pre-COVID. Authority delivered through accessible channels wields formidable power.
In a recent Women’s Agenda article, heart surgeon Dr Nikki Stamp reflects this view.
“As social media has become more widespread, doctors online are more normal and have an important role to play. For me, one of the most important reasons for doctors to be taking up space in your feed is that a big part of our role in society should be to commit to public health. And one of the ways we can do this is by sharing information in a way that is easy to understand and helps people take control of their health.”
Every leader can stand up and be heard on the issues that matter. By building and harnessing a strong digital brand, these authorities have the best opportunity to shape positive conversations and use social media for good.
Contact Propel’s Managing Director, Roger Christie via LinkedIn, email or phone for more information, or to chat about how we can help you with your digital brand.
