Today, the widespread use of social media has revolutionized medical practices, but has
also raised many eyebrows in question of the ethics of its use. Social media can typically be used
to promote organizations and medical practices, as well as to educate the public on health issues
and preventive care. However, a wrongful use of social media is to “cyber–stalk” patients. As a
physician, I should not use Shelley’s social media profiles to make my clinical decisions. The
system consists of evaluating the patient through their supervising reports and attendance meetings
– not their social media outlets. This model for decision making typically consists of different
levels, where the physician and patient are equally involved in the decisions regarding treatment,
both parties share critical information, and both parties agree on the ultimate treatment plan
(Charles 1998). This shared approach implies an open line of communication as well as interaction
within health professionals. However, this is completely consensual and promotes trust within the
relationship, not deceit.
Social media could be a great outlet for health education, where physicians could post
opinions on case studies, illnesses, and even medical issues. Support groups could be formed and
many people who do not have insurance or cannot access proper medical care could access viable
health information. However, by crossing the line and entering the social media pages of my
patients, I would no longer be using the internet ethically as a physician. Primarily, social media
is not an entirely reliable source. For one, not everyone listed under “friends” or “followers” are
truly acquaintances in real life. Also, posts and pictures on a social media page cannot be taken as
how they seem. A study shows that on media outlets, such as Facebook, users present themselves
in the way that they wish to be perceived, whether it is for social status or for personal self-esteem
(Sun, T., & Wu, G, 2011). While I may interpret Shelley’s social media contact with members
from her past regarding drugs, she may interpret it differently. Also, Shelley may not have
registered that she is still “friends” with them or simply does not pay mind to their interactions
anymore. Basing a clinical decision off of a social media page has no strong foundation. If all
clinical evidence is positive and there is one discrepancy on her social media page, depriving her
of a proper and educated decision to replace it with a decision based on an arbitrary foundation is
wrong.
Patients may need help regarding treatment, but they are still adults who can make their
own informed decisions. Trying to infer her judgement through social media, where most people
pretend to be someone they’re not, is unfair and unethical – especially considering how she is
unaware of this being part of the process. Shelley was told that her release would be based off of
her progress and reports from other physicians. Secretly using her social media to weigh in on the
decision would call my ethics as a physician into question. I would appear to lack confidence in
