Combatting the Loneliness Epidemic Through Social Connectedness

While social media platforms, in general, have facilitated rapid dissemination of medical and scientific advancements, Twitter has been particularly unique in its ability to attract, engage, and grow communities of academics and science communicators. The Journal of Hospital Medicine has been at the forefront of leveraging Twitter to build an engaged community. It started with our Twitter-based journal club (#JHMChat) and continued with the development of visual abstracts and longer-form Twitter posts (#JHMTweetorials).1 We have also developed a wildly successful digital media fellowship, now in its fouth year, and published practical guidance for individuals and organizations navigating the social media sphere.2-4 This, however, is a more personal story, one that describes my foray into social media and my hopes for its future. In the Fall of 2020, I realized that my sleep had gone from an amazing 9 h per night to an abysmal—by my standards—6 h per night. I love sleep. I love naps. This change was distressing and affected my wellness. There is no doubt that life has been stressful. In late 2019, just a few days before my pediatric hospital medicine board certification exam, I stopped at a red light and was struck by another vehicle. My car's front axle broke, rendering it undrivable and unfixable. A week later I fell and suffered a concussion. My symptoms of hyperacusis, nausea, dizziness, and difficulty with balance were sufficiently severe that my recovery involved 3 months of vestibular rehabilitation. Then, in the Spring of 2020, just as I felt that life was returning to normal, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic created another major disruption. As an infectious disease and hospital medicine physician whose research focuses on respiratory infections, the pandemic hit the sweet spot of my expertise. However, the Spring and Summer of 2020 were chaotic as I (and all of us) juggled a new series of challenges, including a radically different work environment, shortages of basic medical supplies, fear of infection with a pathogen of which we knew little, and human tragedy at a massive scale. The state of knowledge around the care of patients with COVID-19 was rapidly evolving. Much of the information we gleaned about management first appeared on social media, which I hesitated to use. I had had a Twitter account for years but had not tweeted much. I'm a private person, and social media's public-facing nature did not vibe (or so I thought) with my personality. I increased my use of social media to keep up with the latest medical advances, and then, in service of wellness and personal growth, I decided I would embark on a public self-improvement project with a dual purpose: (1) Improve my sleep quality and duration, and (2) increase my comfort with social media. As I look back now, the isolation thrust upon us by the pandemic certainly influenced my decision to take a public approach. Gone were many of the small interactions with colleagues over the course of the day. At work, we were typically masked and distanced and often working remotely when not on clinical service. Meetings were almost exclusively virtual. The cancellation of some national society conferences and the migration of others to virtual platforms heightened this seclusion. I craved connection. I partnered with trusted experts in quality and sleep, Drs. Michael Tchou, Sonya Tang Girdwood, and Vineet Arora, used the hashtag #iREST (I Recommend Essential Sleep Time, coined by Dr. Arora) to bring together others who might also be interested. I developed a SMART aim and a sleep bundle, and defined outcomes, processes, and balancing measures, while using a data tracking and sharing mechanism developed by Dr. Tchou to display my sleep progress visually. I started the project on September 6, 2020.5 By the project's end in late December of that year and 60+ posts later, I had achieved both of my goals. There were also several unanticipated benefits. First, while I used Twitter less, the quality of my engaged improved dramatically; communication was bidirectional and relationships developed or were solidified. To my great surprise, social media became fun! Second, one of my sleep bundle components, avoiding social media after 8:00 p.m., was life changing. I replaced doom scrolling with reading as my prebedtime ritual. I read more books during the 3-month project than I had in the previous 2 years. I have not quite kept up the finish a book every other week pace, but I now routinely read prebedtime. Finally, the benefit for which I'm particularly grateful is the engaged community that developed over the course of the project. This community provided support and encouragement and shared knowledge and wisdom. I also discovered that my public journey to improve wellness had inspired others. Social media had somehow become a catalyst to improve health. Alas, social media continues to evolve, and not always for the better.6 The recent changes have been disheartening, and it is unclear whether Twitter can remain a platform for exchange of ideas and information, robust dialog, and meaningful connection. And, if not, whether another platform can take its place. In May, I embarked on another personal improvement project—improving my exercise consistency. After some deliberation, I decided to again post my improvement work publicly on Twitter to hold myself accountable and to draw on the support and expertise of the #MedTwitter (and beyond) community.7 For this brief moment, it feels like “old Twitter.” Join me at #iHEALTH (I am for Higher Exercise Activity Leading to improved Health). We are not through quite yet. The author declares no conflict of interest.

Purpose: The aim of the study was to investigate impact of social media on mental health and well-being across different cultures and age groups
 Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries.
 Findings: Social media's impact on mental health and well-being varies across cultures and age groups. While it can foster social connection, information sharing, and creativity, it also contributes to negative outcomes such as social comparison, cyberbullying, and sleep disruption. Cultural norms influence how individuals engage with social media, and age-related factors shape susceptibility to its effects, highlighting the need for nuanced approaches to promoting digital well-being.
 Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Social comparison theory, cultural learning theory & uses and gratifications theory may be used to anchor future studies on impact of social media on mental health and well-being across different cultures and age groups. Develop culturally sensitive interventions and digital literacy programs that equip individuals with the skills to navigate social media platforms in ways that promote mental well-being. Advocate for evidence-based policies that protect vulnerable populations from the harmful effects of social media while promoting digital inclusion and empowerment.

Background . Age and breed are considered the greatest risk factors for disease incidence and mortality in companion dogs. Understanding the incidence of diseases, in relation to age and breed, would support appropriate guidance for future health care strategies and provide useful information for the early diagnosis of diseases. The purpose of this study was to investigate the major medical causes for dogs visiting primary-care veterinary clinics in the Republic of Korea, stratified by age and breed. Methods. A total of 15,531 medical records of canine patients were analyzed from 11 veterinary clinics who shared data from January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016. An electronic medical record (EMR) system was used for data collection, which included the animal identification number, species, date of birth, breed, gender, neuter status, clinical information, and diagnosis. EMR data were classified using the International Classification of Disease system from the World Health Organization; signs and symptoms were identified according to breed and life stage. Results. Within the age groups, preventive medicine (16.7% CI; 15.9–17.5) was the most common cause for clinic visits for the 10 y), the incidences of heart disease, kidney disease, Cushing’s disease, and mammary tumors were higher than in the other age groups. In addition, these diseases were correlated with age groups ( p <0.05). Small and toy breed dogs comprised 74.9% of all dogs in this analysis. For all breeds, otitis externa, dermatitis or eczema, vomiting, and diarrhea were common medical problems. The incidences of these diseases were correlated with breed groups (p<0.05). Discussion. This study identified the most common medical disorders and differences in incidences of diseases, according to age and breed groups. The information from EMRs for dogs visiting primary-care veterinary clinics can provide background knowledge that is required to enable a better understanding of disease patterns and occurrence by age and breed groups. The information from this study could enable the creation of strategies for preventing diseases and enable the identification of health problems for more effective disease management in companion dogs.

Psychosocial Stages of Symbolic Action in Social Media

The monograph presents the results of more than 30 years of work on the development and experimental verification of various techniques and technologies on the integral harmonious effects on the body for promoting health, for the integrated development of the motor and intellectual abilities of man in various life stages. Technologies contain complexes of physical exercises, developed technical devices, methods of psychoregulation. All technologies presented in the monograph are original author’s developments. All of the technologies presented in the monograph received copyright certificates and patents. Technologies combine Western and Eastern approaches to building physical exercises. Most of the techniques developed for one age group can be applied to other age groups, at other life stages. As an initial technique, a set of exercises performed under the poems about nature, for women during pregnancy. It solves the problem of both strengthening the health of the pregnant woman and her preparation for childbirth, and indirectly influencing the developing organism of the unborn child. The monograph also contains complexes of exercises performed under verses with the help of an adult, for children from birth to 1 year; training in swimming for newborns and infants. Complexes of exercises performed for verses are also presented for children from 1 to 7 years old, methods for the integrated development of preschool children with the use of technical devices. For schoolchildren, the methods of controlling loads are considered when playing sports that impose high demands on the work of the cardiovascular system (basketball, football, etc.); methods of activating creative abilities in the employment of various types of motor activity. The monograph also shows the ways of individual approach to the choice of sport (motor activity), as well as the way of individual approach when practicing a certain kind of sport (motor activity). The technologies of diagnostics of psychophysiological possibilities (reaction rate, short-term memory) and properties of the nervous system are presented. Original methods of studying with students, such as basketball on the water and others are also presented. The monograph also contains elaborations for people of mature and advanced age; methods of application of various medicinal plants; methods of autogenic training. All the technologies presented in the monograph have been tested experimentally and have shown their effectiveness. The results of researches of influence of each technology on various aspects of vital activity of people of different age and social groups are presented. The monograph is of interest to specialists in the field of human sciences; theorists and practitioners in the field of health; teachers, trainers, as well as all those interested in the issues of health promotion and self-development. Two doctoral and 16 candidate dissertations were defended in this direction.

Background: Current evidence indicates that the range of survivorship issues that patients can encounter is broad and can include physical, psychological, social and spiritual aspects. Studies also show that breast cancer survivors (BCS) may feel isolated and uninformed after completion of active treatment, when they have less interaction with health professionals. Although, Institute of Medicine's report on cancer survivorship recommends that cancer patients completing treatment should be provided with a comprehensive care summary and follow up plan that is clearly and effectively explained, it is not always practiced in oncology care. Methods: A qualitative approach was used to explore impacts of breast cancer on survivors at different life stages and to determine preferred content and format of survivorship care plan (SCP). Focus group and face-face interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed with women who had non-metastatic breast cancer, 3-48 months post-treatment and were 18-75 years of age. Groups were stratified by age into &amp;lt;44, 45-54, 55-64, and &amp;gt;65. Transcripts were subjected to thematic and content analysis by age group (life stage). Results: Results from16 women interviewed from the 4 age groups show that the impacts of breast cancer were broad and varied by age group. Physical, emotional and social effects were more intense in younger patients with women in the middle age group experiencing more concerns centered on financial and social support issues. Fatigue, fear of the unknown, and fear of recurrence were the most universal effects. Although customized SCP was preferred, important elements include: treatment summary, information on nutrition/exercise, expected side effects, signs/symptoms of recurrence, follow-up schedule, and updates on changes to recommended care. Preferred format for SCP is similar for all groups. Women preferred oncology nurses to provide the SCP at the beginning or at the end of the treatment and preferred written materials in lay language, telephone follow-up resource person and electronic bulletins for communicating updates. Discussions: BCS are diversely impacted by the breast cancer experience. Effects vary by life stage, which impacts preferred content of SCP, but not format. Qualitative information on the impact of breast cancer at different life stages can be used to help customize content of SCPs. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2010;70(24 Suppl):Abstract nr P2-14-12.

Social and sustainable: exploring social media use for promoting sustainable behaviour and demand amongst Indian tourists

Social media (SM) use by orthopaedic surgeons is becoming increasingly common; nonetheless, it needs to be clarified how patients perceive the content posted by physicians. To characterize SM content posted by orthopaedic surgeons while investigating patient perceptions of this content and how it may influence their health care decisions. Cross-sectional study. Posts on SM outlets by orthopaedic surgeons were reviewed and categorized. A survey to assess patient perception of these categories was administered between December 2021 and February 2022 in the clinics of 3 orthopaedic surgeons. Survey results were analyzed for differences in patient SM use and perception of SM content types. There were 250 completed surveys. SM use was high among all age groups; however, the 18 to 24 years (87.1%) and 25 to 34 years (86.4%) age groups were more likely than older age groups to report daily use (P = .002). Overall, 17% of patients reported using SM to see information about their health care at least once per month, 21% reported reviewing the SM account of a physician at least once per month, 19% reported that they were likely or very likely to view the SM account of their physician, and 23% reported that SM content was likely or very likely to influence which physician they see. Patients held the most consistently positive view of posts that educated patients, discussed sports team coverage, and provided patient testimonials. Patients had consistently neutral views of posts educating colleagues, discussing presentations at national meetings, displaying aspects of surgeons' personal lives, and supporting marginalized groups. Several post categories elicited highly polarized responses-including those discussing research publications and showing surgical techniques or pictures/videos taken during surgery. Respondents had a consistently negative response to posts making political statements. SM is likely a useful tool to help physicians interact with patients. Physicians who wish to interact with patients should consider posting content viewed most positively-including posts educating patients, discussing sports team coverage, and providing patient testimonials. Content that is viewed less favorably should be posted sparingly or with a sensitive tag.

Patients regularly tell me that they have checked my credentials online — one of several ways adults seek information on the Internet about health, specific diseases, treatments, hospital outcomes and insurance providers. This and the next issue of the Canadian Journal of Surgery include articles discussing online health information,1,2 providing insight on the quantity, quality and readability of information that plays a role in patients’ decision-making. The authors challenge surgeons to regard health websites as a potential way to form useful partnerships with patients. These data from Canadian1 and UK2 centres are complemented by recent data that reported that 80% of US adults who are online search for health information.3 In contrast with the assumption that only younger adults perform online searches, all age groups were well represented. Thus, patients with online access are increasingly likely to seek authoritative information on surgical care to discuss with their surgeons. Online social networking promises to push the discussion even further. Social media websites, such as Facebook, Twitter and YouTube, have become mainstream 2-way communication tools. Social networking is growing rapidly among all age groups, with young adults in the lead. Social media websites are accessible and affordable, and information can be accessed in plain language. The power of social networks to effect change was recently observed when mass populations challenged political leaders to publicly sanction individuals who participated in the Stanley Cup riots in Vancouver, BC. Within the health domain, many hospitals have social networking accounts and microblogging sites to allow the public to communicate with health providers. Almost all medical schools have a social media presence, and strong linkages with social networks are found with online ratings of medical doctors and professors. The Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) has engaged young Canadians with health researchers through its Synapse — CIHR Youth Partnership. The Canadian Association of General Surgeons website hosts online professional networking with its WIKI Surgery. Surgeons cannot ignore the massive wave of increasing online information and social media presence. Proponents for more physician engagement with social media argue that this is an opportunity to improve communication with patients and transcend partnerships that improve health outcomes. At the very least, surgeons can check their own online presence to determine if there is accurate representation of their skill sets. There are some potential pitfalls of social networking, including loss of patient confidentiality, blurred boundaries between personal and professional net-working, unprofessional conduct, unreliable information and time constraints that limit effective dialogue. The American Medical Association recently approved ethical guidelines to encourage use of social media by doctors4 that provide several helpful recommendations, including standards of privacy and confidentiality, use of appropriate privacy settings, self-monitoring of online presence for accuracy, maintenance of boundaries between personal and professional use of social media, self-regulation of standards for online etiquette and awareness of the impact of social media on public trust. A recent publication by the Massachusetts Medical Society identified a thoughtful summary of best practices for physicians who use social media professionally.5 Online health information is available to the public in many forms. Surgeons need to be aware of the opportunities being accessed by their patients through this medium. Guidelines for professional use of social media should be broadly disseminated, and continuing medical education programs should educate surgeons and their trainees on the opportunities to harness social media for improved public dialogue. Without this, surgeons may be marginalized by ignorance of the “twitter” of information that occurs outside their operating rooms.

E-professionalism and social media use amongst nurses and midwives: A cross-sectional study

This paper will deal with intergenerational justice, focusing on the relationship between coexisting generations. The first section will be reserved for some conceptual clarifications on the concept of justice, on the distinction between age groups and birth cohorts, and on the specificity of age as a category for apportioning benefits and resources. Then, I will take up the issue of what is the analytical unit of justice across overlapping generations: age groups or birth cohorts. I shall try to disentangle the alternative between age groups and birth cohorts, on the one hand, and that between age groups at a snapshot and the whole life view, on the other. After a discussion of the latter alternative, it will become clear that also the whole life view will allow only a simultaneous comparison of age groups at a definite moment of time, though in the context of a distributive theory considering the whole life and its different phases. At the end, the age groups turn out to be the units of justice between overlapping generations in all three dimensions of justice. But while age groups are specifically appropriate for relational and political justice, in the case of distributive fairness, the comparison between simultaneous segments of different age groups should be assessed in the context of a distributive theory justifying the differential distributions at different ages. Any such theory refers to the temporality of human life, with different needs and capabilities at different stages of human life. I shall finally illustrate my age‐sufficiency principle that I deem appropriate for distributive comparisons between simultaneous age segments considered as different age stages of human life.

Social distancing rules during the COVID-19 pandemic changed social interaction for many and increased the risk of loneliness in the general population. Social media use has been ambiguously related to loneliness, and associations may differ by age. The study aimed to examine loneliness and its association with social media use within different age groups during the COVID-19 pandemic. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted in Norway, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Australia during April/May 2020, and 3,810 participants aged 18 years or above were recruited. Multiple regression analyses were conducted to examine associations between social media use and social and emotional loneliness within separate age groups. Emotional loneliness was higher among young adults and among those who used social media several times daily. Adjusting by sociodemographic variables, using more types of social media was associated with lower social loneliness among the oldest participants, and with higher emotional loneliness among the youngest participants. Among middle-aged participants, using social media more frequently was associated with lower social loneliness. We found that the associations between social media use and loneliness varied by age. Older people’s engagement on social media may be a resource to reduce loneliness during the COVID-19 pandemic. We observed higher levels of loneliness among high-frequent social media users of younger age.

Background: Social media is a medium of communication that takes place on the internet. Users can hold discussions, exchange information, and produce online content on social networking sites. Blogs, microblogs, wikis, social networking sites, photo-sharing sites and other types of social media that exist on the internet. Objectives: This study investigates the impact of social media on family communication patterns from the perspectives of women belonging to different age groups. It explores both positive and negative aspects of social media usage within families and identifies strategies for improving family communication. Methodology: Data was collected from two groups: young women aged 18-21 and older women aged 45-55 through Interviews. The findings reveal a significant shift in communication dynamics, with social media facilitating long-distance communication but also contributing to reduced interaction within families. Results: Themes like increased isolation, decreased family communication, and the portrayal of false images on social media emerge consistently across both age groups. Strategies such as setting boundaries, limiting phone usage, and spending quality time together emerged as potential solutions. Conclusion: The themes that emerged from the interview conducted on both the women, demonstrated a similar pattern of impact that has been caused due to the usage of social media in everyday life, where on one hand it has led to positive changes such as increased learning and exploration, finding out one's hobbies and working towards its growth, and ease in communication but has also led to decreased family communication, increased isolation, staying occupied on these platforms etc. which signifies the distance that has been created due to the advent of social media into an individual’s life and how it has played a major role in affecting the overall family communication patterns.

The longitudinal effect of social media use on adolescent mental health in the UK: findings from the UK Longitudinal Household Study

In recent years, more and more individuals take a lot of time on social media. There is growing concern over the possible impacts of using social media on an individual's personality. This article examines how social media use and personality are related, as well as the variables that affect this relationship. The Big Five personality model is primarily used to investigate this relationship, with extroverted and open individuals found to use social media more frequently. Additionally, histrionic personality traits and female gender have been positively linked to social media addiction. The type of social media used can also impact personality, with Facebook potentially aiding individuals with low levels of satisfaction and self-esteem to build social capital. Other factors, such as sex, region, and social isolation, are also explored in relation to social media use and personality. Understanding the relationship between the two is crucial for assessing potential effects on individuals and informing interventions. Future research should examine how social media use and personality traits differ among different age groups and different culture. Also, how social media addiction develops over time and how it affects individuals' lives are essential to study.