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Clin Colon Rectal Surg 2017; 30(04): 227-232
DOI: 10.1055/s-0037-1604249
Review Article
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Getting Started: A Social Media Primer

Dalya M. Ferguson
1   Department of Surgery, McGovern Medical School at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas
,
Lillian S. Kao
1   Department of Surgery, McGovern Medical School at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas
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Publication History

Publication Date:
12 September 2017 (online)

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Abstract

Social media use has increased both in the general public and in the surgical profession. A variety of social media platforms have been used, with Twitter being one of the most common and interactive platforms. Common uses by surgeons and scientists for social media include dissemination of information, information exchange, education, research recruitment, community consultation for clinical trials, and hospital or surgeon ratings. As social media use increases, a new language as well as metrics has been developed to track impact and reach of research incorporating social media platforms. All surgeons should be encouraged to familiarize themselves with social media, regardless of whether or not they choose to actively engage in it.

Keywords

social media - Twitter - altmetrics - dissemination