The document discusses how social media can be used to extend the reach of public health messages. It argues that social media should be used to build networks between local authorities, traditional media, and communities. Additionally, it notes that while the number of followers is not as important as the quality of connections, traditional media connections are still critical for enhancing the spread of public health information.

1. Can social media extend the reach of
public health messages?
@mozziebites (aka Dr Cameron E Webb)
University of Sydney and Pathology West – ICPMR Westmead

2. Webb “Social media and public health messages” #EntSoc14 @mozziebites
Social media isn’t a parallel universe…
…use it to build networks between local authorities,
traditional media and the community

3. Webb “Social media and public health messages” #EntSoc14 @mozziebites

4. Webb “Social media and public health messages” #EntSoc14 @mozziebites
Tweets from the social swamp
 Social media is on the rise as a shared
source of news and information
 Local authorities maintain a strong and
engaging online presence
 My use of social media firstly to engage in
wetland education
 Allows contact with community,
professionals and media organisations
 Now to health promotion…

5. Webb “Social media and public health messages” #EntSoc14 @mozziebites
Tweeting public health messages

6. Webb “Social media and public health messages” #EntSoc14 @mozziebites
How many people saw that tweet?
Retweets by
media and
“large”
accounts
Retweets by
many
“small”
accounts
November 2012 May 2013
Webb (2013) “Could social media help beat the bite of mosquito-borne disease?” Mosquito Research and
Management. http://cameronwebb.wordpress.com/2013/05/22/mozzie-bites-and-tweet-tracking/

7. Webb “Social media and public health messages” #EntSoc14 @mozziebites
You don’t need a million (or more) followers
It’s the quality of connections, not the quantity, that’s important

8. Webb “Social media and public health messages” #EntSoc14 @mozziebites
Creating social and “unsocial” networks

9. Webb “Social media and public health messages” #EntSoc14 @mozziebites
Traditional media connection critical
 Journalists, broadcasters and media
outlets all have social media presence
 Twitter is often place of first contact
 Enhance interviews with retweeted links
and content
 Engage new audiences to extend
networks and conversations
 Establish a voice of authority

10. Webb “Social media and public health messages” #EntSoc14 @mozziebites
Getting the (non academic) message out

11. Webb “Social media and public health messages” #EntSoc14 @mozziebites
Blogging about bites
www.cameronwebb.wordpress.com

12. Webb “Social media and public health messages” #EntSoc14 @mozziebites
Getting the good info out there!

13. Webb “Social media and public health messages” #EntSoc14 @mozziebites
Attracting readers, beating bites
Blog post article
Publication
date
Views
Do mosquito repellent wrist bands work? 25 Nov 2013 27,481
Testing the claims of new mosquito repellents 25 July 2013 12,373
Busting five myths of mosquito repellents 22 July 2013 8,788
Why don’t mosquitoes spread Ebola? 20 Oct 2014 2,841
Mosquito Repellent Guidelines 10 Jan 2013 2,408
Access to my blog posts far outweighs access to
publish scientific literature

14. Summary
I strongly feel social media can increase
the reach of public health messages…
…but…
…it must be used to enhance traditional
communications, not replace them.

15. Seven tips for newcomers
1. Engage with “like-minded” tweeters and their hashtags
2. Add a little (but not too much) of yourself
3. You don’t need to follow thousands of people to start,
follow a few until you find your “twitter” feet
4. You don’t need to tweet all the time, a few a day is fine
5. It takes time to build followers, be patient
6. Don’t underestimate impact. More people than just
“followers” will read tweets
7. Don’t be mean or embarrass your boss!

16. Thank you!
Join the conversation
Visit my website: http://cameronwebb.wordpress.com
Email: Cameron.Webb@health.nsw.gov.au
Follow me on Twitter: @mozziebites