Dietitians and Social Media
Dietitians and Social Media
In the 21st century the internet has
skyrocketed creating social media, a cyberspace output for communication, which
has now become the foundation in American society providing real-time
communication for people across the globe at a convenience to its users. Popular
social media sites such as Facebook, Youtube, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest,
Snapchat, and others has quickly changed the way people communicate with each
other, receive news, promote brands, and debate issues and has seemingly outdating
conventional styles of communication in the process (ie. Telephone, fax, and
face-to-face communication).
This
trendy marketplace provides a great deal of opportunity for dietitians in the
field to promote and share science-based nutrition information, address and
correct food and nutrition related misinformation, convey practical food and
nutrition advice, and market their own or their affiliated organization’s
business. In addition, social media provides a unique output for dietitians
that can help to gain visibility, recognition, keep up with trends, and connect
and expand professional connections. For example, an individual dietitian or
dietitian affiliated with a larger organization may decide to market their
brand or organization through a professional Facebook page, or a twitter
account. These online networking site provide its services for free to
consumers and is a great marketing tool for businesses that has the potential
to reach millions of people around the world in a short period of time.
Although
social media can provide boundless opportunity for dietitians, aspects of
credibility, integrity, and positive influence in the dietetics profession
should be kept maintained through effective
social media communication. Tips for effective social media communication is
outlined in an article by Barth, & Seher (2012) in Today’s Dietitian and include 1) showing integrity 2) remaining
authentic 3) staying civil 4) taking precautions 5) showing professionalism 6) keeping
information confidential 7) valuing originality and 8) scrutinizing your online
presence. In addition, for an effective
social media presence individual dietitians or dietitians working for a larger
organization need to be aware of the benefits of copyright their own original
work , ways to protect themselves from copyright infringement, and should abide
by the Code of Ethics for the Profession of Dietetics in every aspect.
KP
References
Cochran,
N., & King, D. (2015). Dietitians on social media: Promoting and protecting
your work. Today’s Dietitian, 17(10),
50. Retrieved from http://www.todaysdietitian.com/
Barth, C. M., & Seher, C. L. (2012). The power of social networking:
Here’s how you can use it to market your brand. Today’s Dietitian, 14(5),
36. Retrieved from http://www.todaysdietitian.com/
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