The hope and challenge of social media for chronic disease care

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Wouldn't it be nice if social media could help reduce the burden of chronic disease on the US healthcare system? Indeed, and glimpses of its potential are starting to appear. But before that can happen, there are a number of obstacles to overcome.

Take the digital divide among elderly and minority populations, for instance. Or privacy and Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act compliance concerns. In both cases, a balance between transparency and anonymity must be struck, according to a new eHealth Initiative (eHI) report. Add to that list the quality, validity, and authenticity of information online. Despite these problems, the researchers found that social media empowers users and motivates them to actively take personal responsibility for their health behavior. Social media platforms also provide a unique network of support, motivation, and education to help fight disease.


The hope and challenge of social media for chronic disease care