Social Media Use for Professional Purposes in the Neurosurgical Community: A Multi-Institutional Study

Abstract

Background: Since the debut of Facebook in 2004, social media (SoMe) has garnered increased popularity and usage worldwide. Given its appeal and visibility, many industries have used SoMe to promote products for professional purposes. Specialized sites have subsequently been created to connect users in similar disciplines. Although SoMe sites have amassed over 1-billion followers, SoMe usage in the neurosurgical community has not yet been well described.

Methods: We present an online survey administered to neurosurgery faculty, fellows, and residents in 102 U.S. accredited programs to gauge usage and perception of SoMe for professional purposes.

Results: Of all surveys distributed, 241 neurosurgeons responded with an attending, resident, to fellow breakdown of 137, 96, and 8, respectively. A total of 55.97% of respondents were under the age of 34, 2% were over the age of 75, and 81% of respondents identified as men. An overwhelming majority cited conferences (83%) and in-person meetings as their preferred method of networking. However, 70% state they use SoMe for professional purposes with Doximity and LinkdIn listed as the most popular (49% and 48%, respectively) platforms. Lack of time and perceived value, in addition to privacy concerns, were noted to be the main factors for those refraining from SoMe use.

Conclusions: As SoMe becomes increasingly popular and its use expands, the majority of neurosurgeon respondents are also using SoMe for professional purposes. Although lack of time, lack of perceived value, and privacy concerns were hindrances to usage, other factors like age do not seem to correlate with SoMe adoption for professional aims.

Keywords: Neurosurgery; Outreach; Social media.