Digital Determinants: The Inclusion of Social Media in Health Conceptualization

Social determinants of health (SDOH) are vital components to helping address health equity and the social and economic factors that impact health and health outcomes. Two important aspects of SDOH to consider are informational access and accuracy. In an era increasingly influenced by digital platforms, this study delves into the significant role of social media as an SDOH. Through an exploratory sequential mixed-methods design, this study captures mental health professionals' perspectives regarding the professional use of social media. The findings of this study reveal a need for further guidance on how to professionally utilize social media and address boundary and confidentiality concerns. Additionally, the findings demonstrate that social media could be a valuable tool for health education, community support, and public health messaging, and highlights a necessity for accurate informational accessibility. This study underscores the need for a nuanced understanding of social media's role in health, advocating for informed and strategic use in mental health practice.