Blogging and Social Media for Mental Health Education and Advocacy: a Review for Psychiatrists

Abstract

We live in a digital age where information can be found instantaneously via the Internet. Studies have shown that consumers search for much of their medical information on the Internet, particularly utilizing blogs and social media platforms. As the mental health field is riddled with misinformation and stigma, this offers a unique opportunity for psychiatrists and mental health professionals to reach a broad audience for mental health education and advocacy. In this review, we discuss the various methods and techniques for blogging and social media. We then review the current recommendations for ethics and professionalism as well as make recommendations to strengthen our guidance in this new and evolving field.

Professionalism and Technology: Competencies Across the Tele-Behavioral Health and E-Behavioral Health Spectrum

“…Finally, anything that could be construed as advertising must comply with the FTC Advertising Substantiation policy described above, including a "reasonable basis" of support for any claims [18]. Useful summaries of these issues are now published [23].…”

The Development of Social Media Guidelines for Psychologists and for Regulatory Use

“…The guidelines are further enhanced and illustrated by the provision of vignettes involving social media use by a psychologist and a discussion of what an appropriate action might be. A review of the professional literature found a number of publications relevant to the recommended social media guidelines or practices for psychologists (Tunick et al 2011 ) and physicians and psychiatrists (Ginory et al 2012 ; Peek et al 2015 ), (Gabbard et al 2011 ), (Chretien and Kind 2013 ).…”

Academic Advocacy and Promotion: How to Climb a Ladder Not Yet Built

“…Though multiple platforms exist, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and blogs have emerged to host a large share of advocacy via social media. 16 These platforms provide analytic data that tracks clicks, impressions, and engagements with content, which have been described as a means to assess impact for the purposes of academic promotion. 6 Twitter and Instagram are ideal for sharing short pieces of information, such as an important fact related to policy (eg, the number of children in a legislative district who receive Medicaid, or school lunch, or visit the local emergency department with a specific injury).…”