Garcia G, Kurker KP, Dabhi N, Kurker VH, Sowah M, Jones BS, Fuentes AM, Bin-Alamer O, Park MS. Neurosurgery Influences and X: A Social Media Analysis.
World Neurosurg 2024;
183:e145-e152. [PMID:
38092357 DOI:
10.1016/j.wneu.2023.12.043]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
There exists a complex and ever-evolving relationship between social media and medicine. This study investigates the usage of X (formerly Twitter) among neurosurgeons and explores how virtual engagement potentially impacts this specialty.
METHODS
The researchers examined X posts from the top fifty influential neurosurgeons over 6 months. Demographics and practice information were collected. Posts were categorized into 9 predetermined coding definitions. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize user characteristics. χ2 tests and two-tailed T-tests were employed to examine patterns of posting behavior.
RESULTS
Most influencers practiced in an academic setting (89%) and 43% of them were age fifty or older. Only 15% identified as female. Cerebrovascular subspecialists accounted for 39% of the cohort. Reposting was the most popular type of posting, constituting 61% of all posts. The most common postcategory observed was "Professional Events" (31%), while "Patient Education" was the least common (0.8%). Private practice and general neurosurgeons infrequently posted about "Professional Events" (5.1%, P < 0.01 and 3.2%, P < 0.01, respectively). "Personal Thoughts" constituted the second most common category, with a notable increase among users younger than 50 (25%, P < 0.01), individuals who identified as female (62%, P < 0.01), those in private practice (69%, P < 0.01), and general neurosurgeons (86%, P < 0.01).
CONCLUSIONS
Neurosurgeons of all ages use X to advance their careers and stay updated. However, the utilization of this influential platform likely varies depending on the current practice setting and individual career goals. Neurosurgeons on X appear to have the greatest influence within an academic context, particularly when promoting professional events.
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