Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Jerkayla Watkins
Introduction
Although, many may assume that social media is practically new, it has been around
since decades. Social media sites such Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube have grown
rapidly over the past decades with countless users. According to studies, social media has many
benefits in today’s work environments. As expected, social media also comes with risks when
used in the work place. Studies have shown both the risks and the benefits of employers allowing
employees to use social media while working. In the public health field, there has been research
done that proves social relationships improve one’s health and well-being which includes social
Social media sites social media sites help diverse audiences with shared interest connect
and network (Alshammari & Alshammari, 2017). Public health professionals have done research
that shows social media and technology is the best way to communicate with patients. Majority
of the world today utilizes social media in some type of way. A significant number of
participants engaged in health education via text messages and different types of social media.
This study was quite successful in gaining patients’ attention. According to fellow researchers,
social media promotes health education and health promotion in the work force (Alshammari &
Alshammari, 2017).
Social media has been introduced in the work place to promote and enhance knowledge.
Employers also have incorporated social media in the work environment as a way of promoting
business. Businesses all over the world have grown tremendously due to advertisement on social
media sites (Thomas & Akdere, 2013). According to research, employers hire workers strictly to
Running head: DIGITAL ETHICS & HEALTH 3
advertise and promote business on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. Employees also
communicate with customers through those social media sites. Social media also enhances
knowledge of employees and help many become acquainted with modern technology (Thomas &
Akdere, 2013). Numerous workers have gained skillful knowledge on technology use due to the
As mentioned previously, social media can cause effects when used as a tool in the work
force. Many professionals use social media on a day to day basis to communicate messages and
promote business. Unfortunately, many employees have been terminated due to the improper use
of media while on and off the clock (Diercksen, DiPlacido, Harvey, & Bosco, 2013). The study
done by researchers has shown numerous cases where social media caused problems amongst
workers. According to research there is a certain code of ethics that employees should follow
when it comes to social media. Although there is an employee handbook or code of ethics, many
workers tend to get too relaxed and participate in activities jeopardizing their careers.
According to an article on social media emerging into the healthcare industry, social
media is now used to predict and diagnose diseases and outbreaks (Schmidt, 2012). The
increased use of social media and other electronics have allowed a great success of
communication between physicians, staff, and patients. The quality of health research has also
A researcher in public health worked with a team of epidemiologists and discovered one
of the earliest social media tools which a website is called HealthMap. HealthMap basically
Running head: DIGITAL ETHICS & HEALTH 4
tracks news websites, government alerts, and illnesses across the world (Schmidt, 2012). Public
health professionals are able to tracks outbreaks and epidemics much faster with this tool.
Another app was also recently launched entitled OutBreaks Near Me and Flu Near You
(Schmidt, 2012). Social media have enabled public health organizations to alert the public of
Conclusion
Social media has many benefits along with risks which is why it is imperative for
professionals to follow code of ethics when using social media tools. According to research,
there is as much risks as benefits with social media in the work place (Nica, 2015). A part of
growth in the public health field is related to social media access. In today’s society, majority of
the population use electronic devices and social media thus making it the perfect tool for health
References
Alshammari, A. S., & Alshammari, H. S. (2017). Use of Social Media and Other Electronic
Media in Health Education and Health Promotion (Pilot Study). Egyptian Journal Of
Diercksen, M., DiPlacido, M., Harvey, D., & Bosco, S. (2013). THE EFFECTS OF SOCIAL
Nica, E. (2015). The function of social media in the health care industry. American Journal Of
Schmidt, C. W. (2012). TRENDING NOW: Using Social Media to Predict and Track Disease
Thomas, K. J., & Akdere, M. (2013). Social Media as Collaborative Media in Workplace