The Double-Edged Role of Social Media in Modern Healthcare: Awareness, Impact, and Misinformation

Social media platforms influence healthcare. Social media engagement creates opportunities for health education, networking, patient empowerment, and public health initiatives. However, misinformation is common and circulates alongside accurate information. Additional concerns with online engagement include patient privacy and issues surrounding health disparities. This review examines the role of social media in the modern healthcare system from both the patient and the healthcare provider perspectives with a focus on oncology care. It explores the issues surrounding social media use among patients and the responsibilities of healthcare professionals, institutions, policymakers, and regulatory authorities in harnessing its benefits while mitigating risks. Although social media is a powerful tool for democratizing health information and fostering community support, its unchecked influence requires careful navigation through evidence-based strategies, digital literacy initiatives, and collaborative approaches between patients, technology platforms, and healthcare stakeholders.