Social media channels are designed to be engaging, but they are often used by public health organizations and practitioners as a means to disseminate mass information, rather than to engage audiences in meaningful interaction. Harnessing social media to best achieve public health outcomes is a topic of much discussion and study in the public health community.
For this assignment, you will analyze public health communication via social media in your community. Follow a public health organization, local or national, on a social media channel (e.g., Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, or other) for at least 3 weeks. In a paper of 1,000-1,250 words, address the following:
- Describe the organization you followed and the social media channel you selected. What kind of information is shared on social media by the organization?
- To what degree does the organization engage with users/followers (e.g., responding to questions, engaging in conversation, hosting "chats" with experts, soliciting information)?
- What improvements or suggestions would you make to this organization regarding its social media and community engagement? Why? Use examples and evidence from the research literature to support your suggestions.
- Identify at least two benefits/advantages and two challenges/risks of using social media for public health communication. Use examples and evidence from the research literature to support the benefits and challenges you highlight.
Incorporate five resources to support your analysis.
Prepare this assignment according to the guidelines found in the APA Style Guide
