(MENAFN) A recent study conducted in the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, China, and Japan found that a significant number of millennials and members of Generation Z are using social media platforms to seek information about health conditions. The study, conducted by Hall & Partners and the healthcare consultancy ThinkNext, found that 33 percent of Gen Z members, or those born between the late 1990s and early 2010s, use apps such as TikTok to discuss illnesses. Additionally, 26% of millennials use social media to research their health issues.
The study also revealed that more than six million people in the United Kingdom alone rely on social media for advice on dealing with chronic conditions or general health issues. However, the use of social media for health information declines among older generations. Only 14 percent of Gen X members, those in their 40s and 50s, and 5 percent of Baby Boomers, those in their 60s and 70s, reported searching for health information on social media platforms.
Despite these differences, the study found that a majority of all generations, 52 percent, reported using at least one virtual health tool and/or channel more than once. Among members of Gen Z, TikTok was found to be the most popular social media app, followed by Instagram and Twitter. In contrast, millennials showed a preference for Facebook, followed by TikTok and Twitter.
Overall, the study highlights the growing trend of using social media to access health information, particularly among younger generations. The findings suggest that healthcare providers may need to adapt their practices to better cater to this trend and ensure that reliable and accurate information is easily accessible through social media platforms.
MENAFN28022023000045014146ID1105668125
Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.