Using Social Media for Effective Health Promotion

The rise of social media platforms, such as X (formerly Twitter), Instagram and TikTok has disrupted traditional means of information dissemination. Evidence clearly shows that these platforms reach a range of audiences, and offer significant opportunities for health professionals to interact, share appropriately framed public health messages, and have an impact. This MOOC will help you to learn how to successfully frame messages about health issues - including what to say and how to say it, what to emphasise and what to leave unsaid - as well as how to effectively use various social media platforms to disseminate public health messaging and engage in meaningful conversations. Appropriately framed messaging can not only raise awareness and increase knowledge, but can also motivate behaviour change. It is essential that health professionals engage in online discourse, framing messaging that resonates with target groups. This project was funded through a Healthway Targeted Research Round grant.

• Create appropriate message framing for health issues
• Effectively use various social media platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and X to disseminate information and engage with your audience
• Identify and address challenges associated with social media use in health promotion
• Employ strategies for lobbying and engaging with news media
• Define and describe the commercial determinants of health and commercial actors