The intersection of online social networking with medical professionalism

Abstract

AIM: To measure the frequency and content of online social networking among medical students and residents. METHODS: Using the online network Facebook, we evaluated online profiles of all medical students (n=501) and residents (n=312) at the University of Florida, Gainesville. Objective measures included the existence of a profile, whether it was made private, and any personally identifiable information. Subjective outcomes included photographic content, affiliated social groups, and personal information not generally disclosed in a doctor-patient encounter. RESULTS: Social networking with Facebook is common among medical trainees, with 44.5% having an account. Medical students used it frequently (64.3%) and residents less frequently (12.8%, p