Popular Media and Cardiovascular Medicine: "with Great Power There Must Also Come Great Responsibility"

Media sources, such as the Internet, television, and social media, have become powerful communication tools that have transformed the way medical information is acquired across the world.

Over 40% of today's patients report that social media affects their healthcare decisions, and approximately 65% of healthcare professionals report using social media for professional activities. These enhanced communication tools have made a substantial impact on the widespread dissemination of medical information. However, as a consequence, popular media platforms have also become purveyors of medical misinformation. In this review, we propose a framework for clinicians on how to effectively and appropriately integrate medical information available via online resources including social media platforms into modern healthcare practices.