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01-12-2023 | Brief Report

Shaping Social Media: Is Twitter an Equitable tool for Professional Development?

Authors: Thibacg Sivayoganathan, Amrit Kirpalani

Published in: Journal of Medical Systems | Issue 1/2023

Abstract

Purpose: Twitter has become a powerful tool for professional development in academia. However, studies from the general population suggest that racialized and gender biases disproportionately empower male and white users. We characterized the demographics of Twitter influencers in Canadian healthcare. Methods: We used the Right Relevance Insight API algorithm to identify Twitter influencers in the healthcare, healthcare research, and health policy domains, and to generated normalized influencer scores based on user connections and engagement. We used facial recognition software to approximate the influencers’ race and sex. Results: The majority of influencers identified were white (84%) and/or male (60%). Males had significantly higher influencer scores than females (65.1 ± 8.0 vs. 61.2 ± 6.2, P < 0.05) in health policy. We did not identify any sex- or race-associated disparities among influencers in healthcare or healthcare research. Conclusion: Male users have significantly higher levels of influence in health policy on Twitter. Given the importance of Twitter as a tool for professional development, it is crucial that institutional leaders and policymakers are aware of potential inequities in user reach. Future studies should evaluate additional factors shaping user influence in healthcare on Twitter, with a focus on equity, diversity, and trustworthiness.

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Title: Shaping Social Media: Is Twitter an Equitable tool for Professional Development?
Authors: Thibacg Sivayoganathan
Amrit Kirpalani
Publication date: 01-12-2023
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Journal of Medical Systems / Issue 1/2023
Print ISSN: 0148-5598
Electronic ISSN: 1573-689X
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10916-023-02013-3

At a glance: The STEP trials

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Shaping Social Media: Is Twitter an Equitable tool for Professional Development?

Abstract

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Abstract

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