In the last decade, the proliferation of social media platforms has transformed how information is shared, discussed, and consumed globally. The latest data shows that 5.17 billion people use social media as of 2024, equivalent to 63.7% of the world’s population. Besides, an average user spends 2 hours and 20 minutes daily on social media apps. For pharmacovigilance specialists, this digital shift presents both opportunities and challenges. While these platforms offer numerous benefits, they also present significant challenges to drug safety.
Real-Time Adverse Event Monitoring
Platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram allow users to openly discuss their health experiences, including side effects and medication reactions. This presents a unique opportunity for pharmacovigilance professionals to tap into real-time discussions and gather spontaneous reports of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) that might not be captured through conventional reporting channels.
For example, a patient experiencing side effects from an over-the-counter medication may not report it to their healthcare provider or submit a formal adverse event report. Still, they might share their experience on social media. This can lead to the early detection of emerging safety signals before they are formally documented in pharmacovigilance databases.
Social Media’s Data Noise Challenge
However, the vast amount of data generated on social media also presents a significant challenge. Compared to traditional pharmacovigilance data, posts are often unstructured and conversational and may lack essential details like drug dosage, timing, and medical history. Posts may also contain incorrect or exaggerated information, leading to a phenomenon known as “data noise.” For pharmacovigilance specialists, this raises the question of filtering out misinformation while identifying genuine safety concerns.
Social Media Misinformation and Misleading Drug Advice
Social media platforms are rife with misinformation, including inaccurate advice about medications. Patients and influencers often share personal experiences or opinions that lack scientific backing. This can lead to the spread of incorrect usage instructions or unfounded claims about drug efficacy and side effects. For instance, videos or posts may promote the misuse of drugs or downplay potential risks, creating confusion among users.
Case in Point: Social Media’s Impact on Corticosteroid Misuse
The DrugCard platform uncovered an article in medical literature highlighting a troubling trend related to corticosteroid use on social media. A review of YouTube videos revealed that 69.63% of the 843 analyzed videos promoted glucocorticoid misuse, whereas only 30.37% provided educational information about the risks of these medications.
The analysis also found that 32.62% of the videos highlighted concerns related to weight gain, and approximately 76% of the video creators were women. This finding emphasizes the role of social media in shaping perceptions and behaviours related to medication use.
Lack of Professional Oversight
Unlike traditional sources of medical information, social media is not regulated by professional standards or oversight. This lack of control means anyone can post content, regardless of their qualifications or expertise. Influencers, celebrities, and even well-meaning individuals without medical training may offer advice or share experiences that lack scientific grounding. This can lead to disseminating harmful or incorrect information, impacting public health.
Conclusion
While social media offers a valuable platform for sharing experiences and information, it also poses significant challenges for drug safety. The spread of misinformation, lack of professional oversight, and other issues can impact public health and the effectiveness of treatments. By addressing these challenges through public education, regulatory improvements, and promoting evidence-based content, we can better navigate the complex landscape of social media and safeguard drug safety.
