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MEDICAL YEAR
IN REVIEW

The Dangers of Social Media:

Trends and Misinformation

By Fareen Momin, Bahar Momin and Tue “Felix” Nguyen

O ur world has been increasingly reliant on social media; the skin can increase the risk of skin cancer, including melanoma, squa-

whether it be for entertainment or knowledge, many of us
mous cell carcinoma, and basal cell carcinoma. In addition, long periods
use multiple social platforms to gain information and inter-
act with others globally. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pan- of chronic sun exposure can also lead to early photoaging and hyperpig-
mentation triggered by ultraviolet radiation damage from the sun.
demic, many individuals have increased their use of social media Along with the dangerous trends on social media, the amount of mis-
platforms, including Facebook, TikTok, Instagram and Twitter. During information has increased. The COVID-19 pandemic brought the issue
the first COVID-19 wave in 2020, 70% of users reported an increase in of social media misinformation to the forefront. Conspiracy theories
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social media use, and during the second wave, 89% of users reported an rapidly spread across platforms, such as COVID-19 being synthesized
increase in social media use. Although these platforms have allowed us in a lab and microchips in vaccines for governmental tracking. Studies
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to connect with individuals in real-time, many of us forget the power so- found that beliefs in COVID-19 conspiracies lead to reduced compli-
cial media may hold to negatively impact our communities. ance with health guidelines and protective behaviors, posing a danger to
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With the increased use of social media, some users have relied on these public health.
platforms to research ways to improve their physical appearance and com- The use of social media as a source of information is evident in topics
plexions. Dermatologic therapies, including microneedling, have gained surrounding health and nutrition. A popular example is the promotion
interest in the beauty community to help improve skin texture. These in- of a drink called “adrenal cocktail,” a beverage composed of orange juice,
terests have brought about multiple trends on social media, including peeled oranges, coconut water and sea salt to help alleviate “adrenal fa-
“DIY Microneedling” and “Sunscreen Contouring,” to capitalize on peo- tigue.” It was developed by functional nutritionists who claim that elec-
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ple’s insecurities. Dermatologists and other licensed professionals per- trolyte-rich drinks will “replenish” the adrenal glands and promote
form microneedling by minimally traumatizing the skin to promote electrolyte homeostasis. The term “adrenal fatigue” describes an alleged
collagen and elastin production, which helps reduce the appearance of condition caused by chronic stress that leads to overuse of the adrenal
fine lines, wrinkles and pitted acne scars. To obtain similar results, users glands. The adrenal glands are tightly-regulated, small organs positioned
shared “DIY Microneedling” techniques at home, unaware of the in- superiorly to each kidney, and are responsible for synthesizing various
creased risk of infection when performed incorrectly or when using un- hormones that help regulate blood pressure, blood sugar, response to
sanitary needles and instruments. stress and electrolyte balance. A systematic review found no substantial
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Another dangerous trend on TikTok was “Sunscreen Contouring,” evidence of “adrenal fatigue” as a medical condition.
where users applied sunscreen only to certain portions of their face, such The increased use of social media by physicians can help combat many
as the nose bridge and cheekbones, to elicit a tan that made their face of these dangerous trends. A survey conducted on more than 4,000 physi-
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look “sculpted” without makeup. Sun exposure to unprotected areas of cians found that over 90% of them utilize social media and that 65% of

20 SAN ANTONIO MEDICINE • December 2022