Background/Objectives: Psychological barriers, particularly kinesiophobia and diminished psychological readiness, represent critical yet undertreated obstacles to a successful return to sport following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). Scalable, preference-aligned educational interventions capable of addressing these barriers during early rehabilitation are lacking. We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of structured educational content delivered via Snapchat, as an adjunct to standard ACLR rehabilitation, in reducing kinesiophobia (primary outcome) and improving psychological readiness and perceived knee function (secondary outcomes). Methods: A total of 120 adults with clinically elevated kinesiophobia (TSK-17 > 37) undergoing post-operative ACLR rehabilitation were enrolled in a quasi-experimental, two-arm study with non-randomized allocation at the clinic-branch level at two branches of the same sports rehabilitation clinic (Joint Clinics, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia). Branch allocation assigned 60 participants to each group (intervention and control). The intervention group received 12 weekly structured educational videos via Snapchat alongside standard rehabilitation; the control group received standard rehabilitation alongside general ACLR information videos via Snapchat. TSK-17, ACL-RSI, and IKDC were assessed at baseline and at 12 weeks. Primary analysis used ANCOVA covarying baseline scores, complemented by mixed repeated measures ANOVA and intent-to-treat analysis. Results: Both groups improved across all outcomes; the intervention group demonstrated significantly greater gains. ANCOVA revealed significant between-group differences favoring the intervention for TSK-17 (adjusted mean difference = -2.82; d = 0.54; p < 0.001; d represents Cohen's d calculated from adjusted mean differences and pooled SD), ACL-RSI (+8.06; d = 0.77; p < 0.001), and IKDC (+8.90; d = 0.54; p = 0.002). Mean video completion was 82.8% among intervention participants. Intent-to-treat analyses using Multiple Imputation confirmed all findings. Conclusions: Snapchat-based structured education was associated with improvements in kinesiophobia, psychological readiness, and perceived knee function among the 102 analyzed participants (control n = 52; intervention n = 50) of the 120 enrolled. High engagement supports preference-based digital delivery as a scalable adjunct to standard rehabilitation.
Snapchat is a prominent social media site among youth. In April 2023, Snapchat released an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered chatbot that was automatically implemented on all accounts. Given the apparent ease in communicating with this feature, youth may use it as an information source. While Snapchat purports to block results for drug keywords, it is unclear the extent to which this type of content is blocked. In August 2024-January 2025, we asked Snapchat AI questions related to delta-8, a derived intoxicating cannabis product that has been rapidly rising in popularity in the United States and has limited regulations. Qualitative responses were independently coded into thematic categories. The AI prompted individuals to ask follow-up questions, which largely drove the themes. Themes included general information (similarity to delta-9 THC, but with a purported lower potency; relaxing/euphoric effects; legality), use motives (pain relief, anti-nausea, appetite stimulation, anxiety reduction), potential consequences (dry mouth, red eyes, increased heart rate, drowsiness, contaminated products, inaccurate labeling), retail availability, and product recommendations. Responses did not provide supporting citations. While the AI did not block results related to delta-8, it did block results pertaining to "weed" and "THC." Snapchat AI is a plausible information source about delta-8 THC among youth. No citations were provided to support claims made by the AI, which portrayed delta-8 THC use favorably, as having benefits and low risks from use. Findings have policy implications, including restricting or regulating this type of content-particularly relating to claims without supporting scientific evidence.
A profound understanding of dental students' use of artificial intelligence (AI) applications and their perceptions is essential for promoting responsible adoption and guiding integration into dental education. This study evaluated dental students' perceptions, usage patterns, and trust in ChatGPT, Snapchat's My AI, and the Metaverse as educational tools. A cross-sectional online survey was administered to undergraduate dental students at RAK College of Dental Sciences, United Arab Emirates, between February and May 2024. The questionnaire comprised 29 questions organized into five sections. The questions were formulated as multiple-choice questions. Descriptive statistics were calculated. Pearson's chi-square tests with post-hoc adjusted standardized residuals (ASRs) and Bonferroni corrections examined categorical associations. Ordinal logistic regression assessed predictors of AI awareness, and paired-samples t-tests with Cohen's d compared trust in ChatGPT vs. Snapchat AI. The response rate was 57%, of which 70% were females. Self-rated awareness of AI increased across academic years, with fifth-year students rating their awareness score as 4 ± 0.9 out of 5, compared to 3 ± 1.4 in the first year. Ordinal regression showed no significant effects of year, gender, or their interaction (p > 0.19). ChatGPT was the most used tool (81.5%), followed by grammar correction tools (75%) and Snapchat AI (74.4%), while Metaverse use was limited (28.6%). Chi-square analyses confirmed significantly greater use of ChatGPT, Grammarly, and Snapchat AI compared with Metaverse (p < 0.001). Fourth-year students most often used AI for academic or clinical purposes (41.7%). Educational potential was endorsed by 78% of students, while privacy and data security were the predominant concerns (78%). Compared with Snapchat AI, ChatGPT was significantly more often used for education, preferred for quick responses, and more frequently associated with positive beliefs about future learning. Paired-samples t-tests demonstrated consistently higher trust in ChatGPT across all academic years, with moderate-to-large effect sizes (Cohen's d = 0.67-0.91; p < 0.01). Dental students reported widespread adoption and higher trust in ChatGPT compared to other AI tools. While recognizing its educational potential, concerns about accuracy and privacy underscore the need for integrating AI literacy and evidence-based evaluation into dental curricula.
Snapchat dysmorphia (SD) is an emerging phenomenon that characterizes individuals seeking aesthetic procedures to replicate the appearance of their digitally altered selfies. This phenomenon has been hypothesized to be linked to body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) symptoms. Additionally, body trust (ie, perceiving the body as safe and trustworthy, relying on its signals and sensations), which could contrast excessive focus on physical appearance, may moderate this relationship. Current literature on SD reveals a notable lack of comprehensive empirical investigations. In this study, the authors examine the factorial structure and internal consistency of a newly developed measure: the SD Questionnaire (SDQ). Additionally, it explored the relationship between SD and BDD symptoms, with a focus on the potential moderating role of body trust. Data were collected from a sample of 163 women seeking aesthetic medicine treatments. The factorial structure and internal consistency of the SDQ were examined. Its association with BDD symptoms was explored within a hierarchical regression model, after controlling for other variables (eg, motivations to pursue cosmetic procedures). Finally, the potential moderating role of body trust was tested. Findings supported a unidimensional factor structure for the SDQ, which also demonstrated a significant association with BDD symptoms. Body trust did not moderate this relationship. Findings provide preliminary support for the validity of the SDQ in women seeking aesthetic medicine procedures and lend empirical weight to anecdotal claims that SD is distinct yet related to BDD. Finally, although body trust was negatively associated with BDD symptoms, it did not show a moderation effect.
Time spent on social media has been an inconsistent predictor of mental health outcomes in young people. However, most studies have assessed social media use globally, with few investigations of the relative influence of specific social media platforms, which may partially account for mixed findings. Furthermore, studies often focus on a single mental health outcome, limiting understanding of how social media relates to psychological well-being. The purpose of the current study was to examine associations between time spent on multiple popular social media platforms and a variety of mental health-related outcomes in a sample of young adults. Participants included 575 young adults who completed an online survey assessing self-reported time spent on Twitter, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Reddit, Snapchat, and Facebook as well as depression, anxiety, PTSD, loneliness, friend support, and self-esteem. Path analyses showed that in the overall sample, greater use of Tiktok and YouTube were consistently associated with more mental health issues, whereas greater use of Snapchat was associated with fewer mental health issues. Models examining results for men and women separately suggested that use of Tiktok was more relevant in women's mental health, whereas use of Reddit was more relevant in men's mental health. Findings highlight that associations are not uniform across social media platforms. More research is needed that compares individual platforms and their relationship to psychological well-being as well as future studies examining how gender impacts findings.
Due to technological advancements such as generative artificial intelligence (AI) and large language models, chatbots enable increasingly human-like, real-time conversations through text (e.g., OpenAI's ChatGPT) and voice (e.g., Amazon's Alexa). One AI chatbot that is specifically designed to meet the social-supportive needs of youth is Snapchat's My AI. Given its increasing popularity among adolescents, the present study investigated whether adolescents' likelihood of using My AI, as well as their positive or negative emotional experiences from interacting with the chatbot, is related to socio-demographic factors (i.e., gender, age, and socioeconomic status (SES)). A cross-sectional study was conducted among 303 adolescents (64.1% girls, 35.9% boys, 1.0% other, 0.7% preferred not to say their gender; Mage = 15.89, SDage = 1.69). The findings revealed that younger adolescents were more likely to use My AI and experienced more positive emotions from these interactions than older adolescents. No significant relationships were found for gender or SES. These results highlight the potential for age to play a critical role in shaping adolescents' engagement with AI chatbots on social media and their emotional outcomes from such interactions, underscoring the need to consider developmental factors in AI design and policy.
Designing effective digital rehabilitation educational content requires alignment between platform functionality and the patient's digital behavior. However, there is limited evidence regarding the platforms selected for structured rehabilitation education following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). Therefore, this study aimed to identify the social media platforms (SMPs) preferred by patients who underwent ACLR to guide the design of digital educational rehabilitation strategies in Saudi Arabia. From November 2024 to January 2025, 186 participants (83.3% men) who met the following inclusion criteria were included: aged 18 years or older, underwent ACLR surgery, used more than one SMP, were currently undergoing or had completed ACLR rehabilitation, and responded to an online survey shared by their physiotherapy and sports rehabilitation clinics. The participants' responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Cochran's Q test, and chi-square tests. Preferences for SMP use differed significantly (p < 0.001), with most participants preferring Snapchat (61.3%). Men demonstrated higher use of Snapchat and TikTok compared with women (p < 0.05); however, no significant differences were observed across age groups and frequency of platform use. Video-based content was the most frequently preferred format (86.6%, 161/186), with chi-square analysis showing a significant association with preference for Snapchat (p < 0.001). These findings indicate that patients undergoing rehabilitation following ACLR prefer video-based educational content on Snapchat. These findings suggest that future educational strategies should explore the use of Snapchat to deliver brief, engaging, and culturally tailored rehabilitation materials. Future research should evaluate whether platform-aligned education can improve engagement and rehabilitation outcomes.
Improving our understanding of how demographic and drug use factors shape social media drug market engagement is integral to targeting harm reduction and prevention responses to high-risk drug use and digital harm. To identify demographics and drug use patterns that correlate with using specific social media platforms to purchase drugs. An anonymous online survey of New Zealanders who use drugs (N = 10,781) was used to explore social media drug purchasing. Logistic regression models were fitted to identify demographic and drug use correlates of using Facebook/Messenger, Snapchat, Instagram or high security apps (Telegram, Signal, Wickr) to purchase drugs. Sixteen percent reported purchasing drugs via social media (n = 1731). Facebook/Messenger was most used (54.2 %), followed by Snapchat (47.5), Instagram (24.7) and high security apps (17.6). Respondents aged under 30 were more likely to report using Snapchat and less likely to report using Facebook/Messenger or high security apps. Snapchat purchasers were more likely to be Asian, students, use MDMA/ecstasy and cocaine, and purchase via "friends/family". High security app purchasers were more likely to identify as male, reside in urban areas, use methamphetamine, psychedelics and cocaine, and purchase from a "drug dealer". Facebook/Messenger purchasers were more likely to report a low income, reside in small town/rural area; and purchase from "gang members", "drug dealers" and "friends/family". Instagram purchasers were more likely to report cocaine use and purchasing from "friends/family". Use of social media apps for drug buying are influenced by demographics (mainly age), drug market contexts, and drug type used.
University students regularly report insufficient sleep, with almost one-third of students achieving less than 6.5 hours per night. Social media is one behaviour shown to negatively influence sleep. However, there has been a reliance on self-report measures of both processes, which may not reflect objective behaviour. The aim was to determine if there is a relationship between social media use and sleep outcomes when measured objectively, and if so, which sleep outcomes were associated with social media use. A longitudinal repeated measures design was used to assess daily social media use and sleep outcomes over 14 days. Participants wore accelerometers to measure their sleep, with total daily social media use derived from smartphone data. Sixty-two participants (Mage = 22.11 years, SD = 5.82 years) completed the study. Linear mixed models revealed no between or within-participant effects of daily social media on sleep duration, sleep onset latency, sleep efficiency and bedtime. However, TikTok showed a positive between-participants effect on bedtime. A generalized linear mixed model also revealed that Snapchat had a negative between-participants effect on sleep onset latency. Findings indicate that the duration of time spent on social media does not impact sleep across this sample. However, interactions with different social media platforms such as TikTok and Snapchat may play an important role in influencing sleep quality. These findings suggest that behavioural measures do not reflect the same pattern of effects observed with self-report, highlighting the need for future research to corroborate findings derived from self-report.
Despite increasing social media use among adolescents, few studies have investigated social media use patterns associated with the Social Media Addiction Questionnaire Scale. Social media addiction (SMA) is characterized in terms of social media platforms, engagement patterns, and account settings. Cross-sectional data on youth 10 to 13 years of age from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development℠ Study (n = 5,639) were used. The majority of the sample were female, White, and from families living above poverty. SMA was assessed via an adapted scale. Regression models assessed links between SMA and hours spent per day on social media, most-used platform, public and secret accounts, and follower and following counts. SMA was higher among youth whose most-used platforms were TikTok (b = 1.52, 95% CI = 1.12, 1.93), Instagram (b = 0.92, 95% CI = 0.51, 1.34), and Snapchat (b = 0.60, 95% CI = 0.16, 1.03). Those with a public account (b = 0.85, 95% CI = 0.56, 1.13), a secret account (b = 2.27, 95% CI = 1.65, 2.89), or reporting more social media hours (b = 0.66, 95% CI = 0.61, 0.71) had higher SMA scores. Weak interactions between social media hours and platforms were observed. Higher SMA scores were most associated with TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat use as well as using a public account, a secret account, and spending more time on social media. The relationship between social media hours and SMA confirms previous findings. This is the first study to investigate the relationship between account settings and SMA. This study aimed to study social media use patterns and addiction among youth aged 10 to 13 years using data from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development℠ (ABCD) Study (n = 5,639). Several factors were found to be associated with a measure of social media addiction. The strongest factors included having a public account, having an account unknown to parents, predominantly using Instagram or TikTok, and reporting more social media hours.
Body shape concerns (BSC) and body dissatisfaction represent emerging public health issues, yet evidence from Middle Eastern contexts, including Jordan, remains limited. These concerns adversely affect psychological health and are shaped by sociocultural pressures and digital media exposure. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 418 undergraduate university students in Northern Jordan. Participants completed the Body Shape Questionnaire-8D (BSQ-8D) to assess BSC. Demographic, behavioral, and media use variables were analyzed to identify correlations. Among 418 respondents (96% aged 17-24; 53% female), 73% reported no BSC. Higher levels of BSC were significantly associated with increased body mass index (BMI) (p < 0.001). Compared to normal-weight peers, overweight students had higher odds of reporting mild [adjusted odds ratio (AOR: 3.7)]and moderate to marked (AOR: 2.56) BSC. Parental education and social media use were also significant factors. Students who did not use Snapchat (AOR = 2.05), did not use TikTok (AOR = 2.15), and cigarette smokers (AOR = 2.75) had higher odds of reporting elevated BSC levels. BSC among Jordanian university students is shaped by multiple psychosocial and behavioral factors, with BMI emerging as the strongest predictor. Findings underscore the need for culturally informed strategies addressing weight stigma, smoking, parental influences, and media engagement. Integrating BSC screening into routine healthcare may support early detection of at-risk groups. This study explored how common body shape concerns are among university students in Northern Jordan and what factors might influence these concerns. Body shape concerns refer to negative thoughts or feelings about one’s body shape, which can affect confidence, mental health, and daily functioning. A total of 418 students aged 17–24 took part in the study by completing a short, validated questionnaire that measures body shape concern. Most students (73%) reported no concerns, but about one in four experienced mild to marked levels of worry about their body shape. The strongest factor linked to these concerns was body weight. Students who were overweight or obese were significantly more likely to report higher levels of body shape concern. The study also found that parental education, smoking, and certain patterns of social media use were related to body shape concerns. Interestingly, students who did not use TikTok or Snapchat were more likely to report higher concern levels, suggesting that the type of online content—not just time spent online—matters. These findings highlight the need for culturally tailored strategies in Jordan that address weight stigma, promote healthy media use, and support students’ mental well-being. The authors recommend including routine screening for body shape concerns in university health services to help identify and support at-risk students early.
The rise of photo-specific social media platforms has significantly impacted body image and mental health. Although studies have shown a link between social media use and body dissatisfaction, most prior research has focused on adult and Western populations, leaving a gap in understanding these relationships among adolescents and young adults in non-Western contexts like Pakistan. Furthermore, the specific roles of active photo-editing behaviors and exposure to influencer content remain under-investigated. This cross-sectional study investigated the prevalence of body dissatisfaction, anxiety, and depression among social media users in Pakistan aged 16-25 years. A total of 511 participants completed a survey assessing social media engagement including time spent on Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat, usage of filters and photo-editing tools, and exposure to beauty and fitness content. The Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ-8C), the Sociocultural Attitudes Toward Appearance Questionnaire (SATAQ-4), GAD-7, and PHQ-9 scales were used. Data analysis was conducted in SPSS and included descriptive statistics, non-parametric independent sample test, and multinomial regression analysis. Out of 511 participants, 212 (41.5%) were in the 21-23 years age category, and 315 (61.6%) were female. Snapchat was the most frequently used platform for photo-filters (178, 51.8%). The median (IQR) BSQ-8C score was 21 (19). Significant positive correlations were observed between BSQ-8C, SATAQ-4, GAD-7, and PHQ-9 (all P < 0.001). Multinomial regression identified gender and the perceived importance of photo-filter use as significant predictors of body dissatisfaction. The negative coefficients indicate that being female (B = -3.778, P = 0.008) and attributing greater importance to filters (B = -6.383, P = 0.029) were associated with significantly higher body dissatisfaction. This study provides evidence from a Pakistani cohort that engagement with photo-specific social media is associated with body dissatisfaction and poorer mental health, with females being particularly vulnerable. The finding that the importance placed on photo filters is a key predictor highlights a critical risk factor. These results emphasize the need for targeted public health strategies, including media literacy programs that critically address photo-editing and curated content and accessible mental health support for young people.
In recent years, a grey market has emerged in Sweden where teenagers use social media to obtain alcohol. This market has not yet been explored qualitatively. The present study addresses this gap by examining how social media is used to illicitly trade alcohol. First, a netnographic approach involved systematically searching for and documenting social media accounts offering alcohol. Second, 33 in-depth, app-based textual interviews were conducted with 16 sellers and 17 buyers who had engaged in illicit alcohol transactions. Responses were thematically analysed within a critical realist framework, capturing experiential (explicit), inferential (inductive) and dispositional (retroductive) themes. Snapchat is the preferred platform due to its popularity among youths, ephemeral messaging features and recommendation algorithms. Sellers typically source smuggled alcohol in bulk to maintain competitive prices. Underage buyers cite ease of access, speed and convenience as main motivations. Risk perceptions differ as sellers worry primarily about arrest offline and platform bans online, whereas buyers fear personal victimisation during face-to-face exchanges. Restriction-generated markets and platformisation sustain illicit alcohol markets. Strict regulations inadvertently shape the market's demand by denying legal access to underage individuals' desire for alcohol. Simultaneously, the design of Snapchat facilitates rapid, anonymous connections and exchanges. The findings underscore a need for policymakers and practitioners to consider how social media amplifies underage alcohol consumption risks.
Research on the impact of social media on body dissatisfaction reveals inconsistent findings and lacks platform-specific data, particularly for TikTok, Snapchat, and Instagram. This study examined the associations between social media use across different platforms and body image, mood, exercise behaviours, and internalisation of thin and fit appearance ideals. A sample of 282 women aged 17-30 years from Australia completed an online questionnaire about their social media use, body image, mood and exercise behaviours. Results indicated that greater frequency of social media use significantly correlated with appearance comparison and thin ideal internalisation. Greater frequency of image-based platform use (TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat and YouTube) significantly related to greater appearance comparison, thin ideal internalisation, fit ideal internalisation, and anxiety, but not with body dissatisfaction. By contrast, frequency of text-based platform use (Facebook, X) showed no significant associations. Following thin-idealised social media content (e.g., fashion, beauty) was associated with greater thin ideal internalisation, whereas following fit-idealised content (e.g., fitspiration) was associated with greater fit ideal internalisation and compulsive exercise. Appearance comparison and thin ideal internalisation mediated associations with individual platform use, whereas thin ideal internalisation and fit ideal internalisation mediated associations with following thin-idealised and fit-idealised social media content. No mediations were found for image-based platform use. These findings highlight the contributions of social media use and appearance-focussed social media content engagement to negative body image, emphasising the roles of thin and fit ideal internalisation and appearance comparison in shaping women's perceptions of their bodies and mental health.
The rapid expansion of algorithm-curated short-form video (ACSFV) platforms has raised concerns about their potential association with youth mental health, particularly through personalized content streams that may amplify psychological vulnerabilities and exposure to harmful material. This study examined the relationship between ACSFV use and self-harm behaviors, probable borderline personality disorder (BPD) traits indicators, and anxious personality traits among Saudi adolescents and young adults. It also examined associations with depression, anxiety, stress, and sociodemographic factors. A cross-sectional study was conducted among Saudi individuals aged 12-30 years, utilizing self-reported data on social media use. The Taylor Manifest Anxiety Scale-50 (TMAS-50) was used to assess anxious personality traits, and the Self-Harm Inventory (SHI) was used to screen for BPD traits indicators and evaluate the lifetime history of self-harm. The questionnaire also included the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21). Among the 566 participants (74% female, 51.8% aged 19-25 years), daily engagement with ACSFV content was frequent, with 22.5% using it for 3-4 h and 15.3% for more than 4 h per day. The most frequently used platforms were TikTok (84.2%), Snapchat (80.0%), and Instagram (70.0%). Self-harm behaviors (37.5%), BPD indicators (9.5%), and severe / very severe anxious traits (31.0%) were prevalent. Self-harm correlated with age category 15-25 years, depression, and stress. Anxious traits were associated with extensive engagement with ACSFV content in unadjusted analysis, while Facebook use and higher depression and anxiety scores remained significant in adjusted analysis. BPD indicators were independently associated with psychiatric consultations and stress levels. This study highlights high rates of self-harm, anxious traits, and BPD indicators among Saudi adolescents and young adults, emphasizing the complex associations between social media use and psychological distress and the need for culturally tailored interventions, school-based programs, and further research.
Sexting, the sending or receiving of sexually explicit texts, images, or videos via technological devices, is common among adolescents. This study examined sexting behaviors in a birth cohort assessed at ages 14, 16, and 18 years (analytical sample: n = 743, 53.7% girls). Results showed receiving sexts was more common than sending them, with frequency increasing with age. Both sending and receiving sexts exhibited significant two-year rank-order stability. Sexting typically occurred on non-anonymous social media platforms (e.g., Snapchat, Instagram), with fewer than 5% using anonymous platforms. Adolescents mostly sent sexts to boyfriends or girlfriends, with the proportion rising from 19% to 27% between ages 16 and 18. At age 14, 19% reported receiving sexts from unknown people, doubling by age 18. The prevalence of sending sexts did not significantly differ between girls and boys, but girls were more likely to receive sexts, especially from unknown individuals and on their own social media platforms. Sex, pubertal status, and biological age did not predict changes in sexting frequency from age 14 to 18. The study highlights the need for interventions and policies that recognize certain types of sexting as part of sexual development while protecting against sexual victimization and associated risks.
IntroductionSocial media (SM) has drastically improved communication and information dissemination among various demographics.PurposeThis systematic review study aims to evaluate the use of social media as a health promotion tool in Saudi Arabia.MethodsPreferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed in carrying out this research. Different databases were used to search for relevant articles from 2015 to 2024.ResultsEighteen studies met the inclusion criteria. Multiple social media platforms were utilized in these efforts, including YouTube, WhatsApp, Snapchat, and the X platform. The articles related to diabetic patients showed that the majority used SM to gather information about disease management. Advantages of using SM include improving patient education and awareness of diabetes, as well as facilitating patient-doctor communication. Barriers included breaching patient privacy, unreliable data, and a lack of easy access for the elderly and those with lower educational levels. YouTube, the X platform, and WhatsApp were especially popular. Moreover, 47% of participants in diabetic study and 96% of participants with celiac disease were using social media as a source of information for disease management.ConclusionSM has been found to have a drastic impact on the knowledge of public health and specific diseases. Decision-makers need to support more studies on SM as a health promotion tool. Moreover, multiple media platforms could complement each other to provide audio-visual learning experiences, such as the X platform and YouTube, for easier access.
The complex dynamics entwining psychological issues with ethical and surgical aspects are often noticed in patients with body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) accompanied by an overwhelming desire for plastic surgery. This review explores the intricacies of diagnosing and treating BDD within the dilemmas of plastic surgical interventions where patients usually consider surgery as the answer to their psychological problems. Relevant articles published up to May 2025, available on PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, were screened and selected. Preference was given to articles focusing on the prevalence, identification, management, and ethical aspects of BDD in the context of plastic surgery. Inadequate BDD diagnosis among patients seeking plastic surgery has been linked to unsatisfactory outcomes and inability to live up to expectations. The accuracy of formal screening techniques was compromised by an excessive dependence on subjective evaluations. Beyond these outside variables, moral conundrums pertain to the patient's autonomy and risk of injury surface. The rise of social media and "snapchat dysmorphia" further exacerbate these issues. In order to address BDD associated with plastic surgery, proactive diagnosis via screening tools, multidisciplinary referral to mental health specialists, and ethical concerns are necessary. Plastic surgeons are required to assess patients' desires and psychological states in order to modify expectations, which occasionally necessitates a compassionate refusal of operation. More research is required to create these screening recommendations and comprehend how social media influences how individuals perceive their bodies in addition to BDD symptoms. This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .
Social media is deeply embedded in our daily lives, particularly among younger generations. In the field of health, these platforms are both promising tools for prevention and channels for misinformation. This study aimed to develop and validate an exploratory measurement tool to quantify the influence of social media on health-related behaviors across three dimensions: social, economic, physical. Cross-sectional survey using a self-administered 15-item questionnaire. Items of the questionnaire were developed from literature and refined through expert consensus to cover social, economic, and physical dimensions of influence. Participants were voluntarily recruited in hospital waiting rooms in France; a subset completed the tool twice for reliability (test/retest). Analyses included Pearson correlations, Cronbach's alpha, Intraclass Correlation Coefficients, and Multiple Correspondence Analysis to identify user profiles. Data were collected from 110 participants aged 18 to 81. The instrument demonstrated excellent internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.9), strong test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.93), and high score fidelity (Pearson r = 0.87). MCA revealed three user clusters: non-influenced older adults using Facebook, moderately influenced youth using Snapchat, and highly influenced young adults under 35 using Instagram and TikTok. Women and younger participants were more influenced economically and physically. This study highlights the growing influence of social media on health behaviors and introduces a reliable exploratory instrument to identify the most receptive populations. The tool can support targeted public health strategies and ethical engagement on digital platforms, especially for younger audiences frequently exposed to health-related content.