Social Media can have an impact on how we manage and investigate the COVID-19 pandemic

Cuello-Garcia, Carlos; Pérez-Gaxiola, Giordano; van Amelsvoort, Ludo

• In situations of emergencies and urgencies, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, many are disseminating information through social media channels; this have an impact on billions of persons worldwide. • Misinformation about the current pandemic occurs frequently in these platforms and can have serious consequences. • When properly used, social media can be a useful tool that provides opportunities to disseminate and receive relevant information for patients, clinicians and scientists. • Better research methods and proper use of these platforms by health scientists and the public are warranted to address social media’s role in health policy and individual decisions. A multi-disciplinary approach with better outreach and dissemination is optimal.