Misinformation Through the Lens of Interpersonal Health
Over time social media has risen in popularity and has gained so much attention Due to this information is a lot more accessible however it also means that news outlets and other sources can quickly and easily spread misinformation and stretch the truth beyond its means. Believe it or not, social media and information (both true and untrue) affect our health, politics, and other areas within health communication greatly just as anything else. And unfortunately, much of this information that is provided to the public is untrustworthy, which has intensified news fraud. The purpose of this essay is to build on our previous discussion post referencing misinformation in the media and establish
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Health communication helps individuals understand health issues and make healthy choices. It can develop a shared knowledge of what it means to be healthy, what risks people face, and how to effectively prevent and manage these risks. It also lets people express their health concerns (Rimal, 2020). Health communication encourages better decisions. Some examples may include eating well, exercising, and quitting smoking. It can also allow others to have health discussions without judgment. The elderly, crippled, and poor often lack health care that allows health communication to flow as easily as it would among middle-aged people.
Accurate, thorough, and timely health communication enhances treatment and quality of life. Health communication is also important because Public health demands communication (Rimal, 2020). It can educate public policy, create larger campaigns or public health initiatives, advise during pandemics, and advocate for social justice. Health communication can fight inequalities and promote change. Healthcare communication is crucial as it aims to improve patient care by giving correct information about treatments, drugs, and other services. It also reduces physician and patient frustration due to poor
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Smailhodzic, E., Hooijsma, W., Boonstra, A., & Langley, D. J. (2020). Social media use in healthcare: A systematic review of effects on patients and on their relationship with healthcare professionals. BMC Health Services Research, 16(1), 1–14. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-016-1691-0
Tulane University. (2020, September 25). 10 Strategies for Effective Health Communication. Publichealth.tulane.edu.