Stepping out of the darkroom and into the spotlight: Using social media (SoMe) to find your passion and purpose in radiology

Abstract

Recent studies showed that more than 50 % of Americans ages 18-49 turn to social media (SoMe) for health information, with one-third citing TikTok as their main source of health information, and that number is likely growing.^1,2 Due to the large potential international reach at the push of a button, SoMe has the potential to be a powerful tool in healthcare and radiology and is changing the way radiologists educate, network, and disseminate information, for better or for worse. With the rise in SoMe, many Radiologists are stepping out of the darkroom and into the SoMe spotlight to network, educate, collaborate, advocate, combat misinformation, and reach a larger, younger audience. In this article, we will provide an overview of SoMe use in Radiology, pros and cons, things to consider before starting a professional SoMe account, lessons learned from our own popular Radiology SoMe platforms, and tips to anyone interested in starting.