Social media slacktivism for the health advocate

Abstract

Activism through social media, so-called slacktivism, is often seen as a way for people to promote change or show support for causes without requiring any real effort. Though effective at reaching a large audience, this type of advocacy often results in very little action. Private displays of support such as signing a confidential petition, however, do lead to further action. Physicians, therefore can use social media to reinforce the health advocacy messages delivered in traditional patient encounters, reaching a large audience of people who have been individually prepared to take action. Slacktivism alone is not enough to be a health advocate, but it is an important tool to increase scope and effectiveness of health promotion.