Social Media Rules

Many students currently entering medical school come from a generation where social media is an everyday part of their lives. They have become accustomed to sharing their thoughts and life events via Facebook, Twitter, and other social media outlets. However, when they enter into medicine, they must learn to balance social media openness with privacy. Telling students to just start abstaining from social media is not the answer, but what is? That's an issue that was looked at recently.

Instead of ruling against the use of any social media, many medical schools are putting guidelines into place to determine what should or should not be shared. Students must learn the power of their postings and understand that what they put online has a bearing on the image of not only them as individuals, but also their professional reputation and the reputation of the facilities they represent. In order to help make these guidelines clear, a framework of digital professionalism was developed by a group of educators. These were meant to aid in clarifying the proper use of social media for medical professionals.

(Image Credit: Janet Tworek; May 31, 2012)

These guidelines should be utilized and consulted throughout a medical professional's use of social media. It is important to appear professional at all times when interacting online, especially when dealing with matters that are sensitive. By maintaining a professional presence, students and physicians can still use social media without compromising their reputation.