INTRODUCTION
Advances in digital technology and the proliferation of social media have fundamentally transformed healthcare information delivery and communication between patients and healthcare providers [1, 2]. Historically, urologic conditions have frequently been concealed due to stigma and embarrassment [3]. However, patients and their families now increasingly turn to platforms such as YouTube and Facebook, as well as artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT, to seek health-related information [4-6].
Urologists are also embracing social media for academic networking, information exchange, patient education, and conference participation [7, 8]. While these developments offer numerous benefits, they also pose risks, including the dissemination of inaccurate information and biased content [9]. For example, incorrect treatment advice circulating among patients or misleading disease-related information disseminated by nonexperts can exacerbate challenges faced by both healthcare providers and patients [10].
The growing use of social media in urology has led to increased research on its impact. A Google Scholar search conducted on December 10, 2024, identified nearly 325,000 scholarly articles referencing both “urology” and “social media.” As demonstrated in Fig. 1, the number of publications has steadily increased over the past decade, reflecting a growing interest in exploring the intersection between social media and urology.
Despite this growing interest, a systematic framework to organize and evaluate the fragmented body of research on social media’s role in urology remains lacking. To uphold professionalism, mitigate potential adverse effects, and fully leverage social media’s advantages [11], it is essential to critically assess and streamline these online activities. Developing effective online strategies can improve treatment and management outcomes for patients and caregivers.
This study analyzes 66 existing studies on social media use by urologic patients and professionals to address this research gap. The objectives include examining the current state of social media utilization, evaluating trust in online resources, and assessing the impact of these activities on treatment and management processes. The study aimed to inform and refine social media strategies in urology, with the ultimate goal of effectively utilizing digital technologies, ensuring the dissemination of reliable medical information, and ultimately improving patient care outcomes.
PATIENTS’ ONLINE ACTIVITY RELATED TO UROLOGIC CONDITIONS
Information Seeking
The internet and social media have become essential resources for patients seeking information about urologic conditions. Patients frequently use these platforms to investigate disease symptoms, prevention strategies, treatment options, and to support initial diagnoses and decision-making processes. For instance, an analysis of Baidu search data in China showed that individuals experiencing lower urinary tract symptoms commonly search for symptoms such as urinary frequency, dysuria, and incontinence [12]. Similarly, research on social media posts concerning kidney stone surgery demonstrated that patients actively seek details about surgical procedures and prognoses [13]. This trend highlights the utility of online resources in aiding patients’ understanding of their conditions, reducing anxiety, and boosting confidence in approaching treatment. Furthermore, urology-focused social media platforms have enhanced patient access to pertinent information, promoting active engagement in their treatment [11]. Discussions facilitated by specific hashtags and keywords further connect patients with critical resources, enabling participation in conversations regarding treatment and management strategies [14].
Sharing symptoms and disease information
Patients frequently utilize social media to share details about their symptoms and medical conditions. For example, a study found that female patients with pelvic floor disorders often engage with social networking platforms to gain insights into their conditions [15]. Another study examining the hashtag #Enuresis on Twitter (now X) observed users sharing personal experiences related to bedwetting, including personal details such as their location, occupation, and interests [16]. Similarly, a review of posts tagged #Bedwetting identified that patients and caregivers commonly share practical advice on managing this condition [17]. Furthermore, an analysis of Twitter activity around the hashtag #Incontinence revealed that patients often describe their condition and share relevant disease-related information with other users [18].
Discussing treatment and management strategies
Patients and caregivers actively utilize online communities to exchange experiences and strategies regarding treatment and disease management. A comparative study of online communities in South Korea and the United States highlighted mutual support among participants discussing enuresis and available treatment options [19]. Women with stress urinary incontinence (UI), for example, frequently shared their symptoms, treatment journeys, and management tips. They exchanged feedback, helping each other select personalized treatment approaches [20]. Similarly, an analysis of social media posts related to overactive bladder (OAB) revealed patients’ concerns about information gaps regarding treatment options and their active inquiries about treatment effectiveness and potential side effects. These interactions demonstrate significant interest in patient-centered information [21]. Discussion boards focused on male UI following prostate treatments revealed that patients exchanged opinions regarding specific posttreatment care methods and practical devices, such as external clamps, condom catheters, pads, and diapers, which they found beneficial for daily management [22].
Psychological Support and Emotional Empathy Among Patients
Online platforms significantly foster psychological support and emotional empathy among patients with urological conditions. For example, discussions within Reddit communities such as BeyondtheBump and Incontinence illustrate how patients offer mutual emotional support and understanding by openly sharing their challenges related to social stigma [23]. A large-scale analysis of social media conversations about OAB demonstrated that discussions frequently move beyond mere information sharing, creating spaces where empathy and emotional connections among patients are actively cultivated [24]. Similarly, a Reddit analysis of young men experiencing erectile dysfunction and depressive symptoms highlighted how users openly exchange emotional struggles and advice. These interactions not only promote emotional empathy but also deliver crucial psychological support, significantly reducing feelings of social isolation experienced by many patients [25].
Understanding Illness in the Family
Social media also serves as a valuable resource for families striving to understand and support a loved one with a urological condition. A study conducted in Japan found that over half of participants utilized social media to obtain disease-related information for a family member. This underscores the critical role online platforms play in empowering families to gain deeper insights into urological conditions, ultimately enabling them to provide more effective support [26]. Table 1 summarizes the online activities of patients related to urological diseases.
HOW HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS ENGAGE ONLINE ABOUT UROLOGIC CONDITIONS
Between 2012 and 2013, a study of American Urological Association (AUA) members found that 74% of respondents actively used social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn, which served as key tools for academic knowledge exchange and networking [27]. This trend has continued, as demonstrated in a 2023 analysis of over 90,000 tweets, highlighting vibrant discussions among urologists covering diverse topics including female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery and endourology [28]. Consequently, social media has become integral for urologists to share expertise and strengthen academic connections.
Sharing Specialized Knowledge and Creating Networks of Experts
Healthcare professionals, including urologists, frequently utilize social media to disseminate specialized knowledge and build professional networks. A study examining urogynecology-related posts on Instagram illustrated the effectiveness of these platforms for sharing specialized medical information [29, 30]. Platforms like Twitter are extensively used by urologists to share insights from conferences, promote professionalism, and engage in discussions related to career development, education, and research [31, 32].
Notably, a survey of European urologists rated social media as a more effective tool for knowledge acquisition and academic discussions than traditional conferences or books [33]. Similarly, urologists in Saudi Arabia and Canada utilize social media for peer-to-peer knowledge exchange and to stay updated on the latest research advancements [34, 35]. Scientific social media platforms such as ResearchGate, ORCID, and Mendeley have emerged as essential tools for knowledge dissemination, managing academic profiles, sharing research, and expanding professional networks [36].
Promoting Professionalism and Building the Image of Healthcare Professionals
Social media increasingly plays a crucial role in urology by promoting professionalism and enhancing the public image of healthcare providers. Currently, 50%–70% of urologists leverage social media to recruit research participants, promote medical research, and live-share events at global urological association meetings [37, 38]. Pediatric urologists actively use social media for discussions, promoting research, and conducting online journal clubs [5]. These activities not only disseminate valuable medical information but also strengthen individual branding and enhance public engagement.
Interacting With and Engaging Patients
Social media effectively supports physician-patient interactions within urology. According to a 2017 AUA survey, 74% of members reported using platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn for direct patient communication or to share educational materials [7]. A global survey of urology residents revealed that more than half used social media to empower patients and facilitate collaborative care [39]. Additionally, a study of Canadian and United States residents found that while 76% expressed a desire to use social media for patient education, 59% had reservations about direct online interactions. However, 70%–73% felt optimistic about the potential for future email communication [40]. Social media is also effectively utilized to raise public awareness about urologic diseases through targeted campaigns designed to reduce stigma and enhance community understanding [37].
VERIFYING THE RELIABILITY OF INFORMATION ON SOCIAL MEDIA AND EFFORTS TO ENSURE ITS CREDIBILITY
As social media becomes a primary source for urologic information, concerns regarding its reliability and quality have intensified. Research has identified significant credibility gaps in online content, underscoring the critical need for evidence-based information.
Credibility Verification
A study examining recurrent urinary tract infections (rUTIs) found that online information was only moderately reliable and lacked sufficient expert oversight. This highlights the necessity of active measures to guarantee accurate, evidence-based content [41]. Similarly, an analysis of social media content on genitourinary malignancies revealed misinformation was shared 28 times more frequently than accurate information, presenting a substantial public health risk [42].
An evaluation of 93 YouTube videos related to nocturnal enuresis indicated that 58% were low-quality, although longer videos tended to have higher quality scores. However, there was no clear correlation between video quality and user engagement metrics such as likes and comments [43]. Additionally, a separate study analyzing 72 Japanese-language nocturnal enuresis videos found similar issues, including poor quality and lack of transparency regarding conflicts of interest [44]. Of 45 YouTube videos related to rUTIs, 78% did not adhere to evidence-based guidelines, with certain videos depicting female patients in unhygienic situations, potentially reinforcing biases [45]. A comparative study of TikTok and YouTube content about female UI reported higher DISCERN scores and overall quality ratings for YouTube. Nonetheless, both platforms lacked consistently high-quality, evidence-based information [46]. Likewise, a study on urinary tract infection–related content indicated that, despite YouTube having higher-quality information than TikTok, misleading content was also prevalent [47]. Further analysis of content related to incontinence on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube revealed significant reliability issues. Only 13% of Facebook posts provided useful information. Although 60% of live tweets contained relevant incontinence content, none involved healthcare professionals. These findings highlight the extensive problem of unreliable information on social media and underscore the urgent need for expert intervention to enhance credibility [48]. Table 3 summarizes these findings by symptom [45-55].
In summary, existing research on the reliability and quality of urinary health information highlights prevalent issues with commercial biases and misinformation, warning of their detrimental impact on the medical community. Active intervention by healthcare professionals is crucial to ensuring higher-quality information on social networks [56].
Examples of Activities to Secure Social Media Credibility
Studies have explored both the advantages and limitations of leveraging social media to disseminate reliable urologic information. For instance, an analysis of urologists’ influence on Twitter found that experts with higher academic performance, measured by the h-index, exerted substantial social media influence. This finding indicates the potential of social media as an effective tool for research dissemination and professional networking, but also underscores the necessity for clear guidelines to maintain information accuracy and reliability on these platforms [57].
Hashtags serve as an effective tool for organizing and curating information. Initiatives such as the Urology Tag Ontology project and #UroSoMe facilitate searching and sharing through consistent hashtags, significantly enhancing scholarly communication and information accessibility for patients and the public. Regular updates and careful maintenance are recognized as critical to ensuring these projects’ ongoing effectiveness [55, 58].
In addition, the European Association of Urology (EAU) has developed ethical guidelines specifically addressing social media usage, emphasizing accurate and responsible communication by healthcare providers. These guidelines include practical examples and regulations to safeguard patient privacy and uphold information accuracy, fostering an ethically sound social media environment. The EAU has also introduced best practice recommendations for social media use and established advanced training programs to help healthcare providers effectively disseminate trustworthy information [59, 60].
Successful Examples of Treatment and Care Interventions Utilizing Social Media
Previous studies have shown that social media can strengthen patient-provider communication, increase patient engagement, and improve treatment outcomes. A randomized controlled study validated a social media-based educational intervention designed to reduce UI among postpartum women. This intervention significantly boosted the practice of pelvic floor muscle exercises and reduced UI severity, demonstrating its efficacy and practicality for care management [61].
Similarly, an intervention utilizing the WeChat platform effectively reduced stigma and improved the quality of life among patients with urinary system cancers. This study demonstrated that positive psychological interventions and nursing connections delivered via WeChat significantly improved patients’ emotional stability and overall well-being [62]. Furthermore, an internet-based interactive management system was successfully implemented to support pediatric nocturnal enuresis patients and their parents. The system notably improved self-esteem among both patients and parents and significantly increased satisfaction with the treatment process. Anonymous support groups and online educational resources were particularly effective in alleviating psychological burdens experienced during treatment [63]. Table 4 summarizes these examples [59-61].
In summary, social media plays a crucial role in addressing sensitive topics such as urologic diseases by engaging patients and the public and expanding information access. Research indicates social media’s potential to enhance healthcare efficiency [64], encourage patient involvement, and strengthen patientprovider communication. In specialized fields like urology, these platforms offer significant opportunities to improve patient outcomes and the overall quality of healthcare delivery [65].
CONCLUSIONS
The proliferation of digital technologies and social media has fundamentally transformed the management and communication of urologic diseases [66-68]. This study examined the role of social media in urologic care, focusing specifically on its use by patients and healthcare professionals and its influence on treatment and disease management. Given the sensitivity of urologic conditions, social media has become a crucial platform for patients to access and disseminate reliable, high-quality medical information. Providing credible resources enables healthcare professionals to enhance patient engagement, improve lifestyle management, and optimize treatment outcomes. However, the effectiveness of social media varies significantly depending on patient-specific factors such as age, digital literacy, social background, economic status, and education level [69]. These factors substantially influence patient engagement with social media and access to healthcare information, particularly for sensitive urologic conditions [70]. Thus, individual patient characteristics must be carefully considered to maximize the effective use of social media.
This study highlights the multifaceted role of social media in urologic care, encompassing information sharing, emotional support, and professional networking. These findings emphasize the importance of integrating social media into future healthcare strategies to enhance treatment planning and ensure the reliability of urology-related online resources. As digital health technologies continue to advance, additional research is necessary to optimize the dissemination of medical information through social media while addressing existing limitations. Future investigations should explore artificial intelligence (AI)-driven methods for assessing misinformation and credibility, variations in social media engagement across demographic groups, and the long-term impact of digital interactions on patient outcomes. The spread of unreliable medical information on social media represents a significant risk, potentially influencing patients’ treatment decisions. Robust methods are urgently needed for evaluating medical content credibility and implementing effective AI-based misinformation detection. Because social media use differs widely by age, income, and digital literacy, tailored strategies are critical to ensuring equitable access to accurate medical information. The long-term effects of social media on patient engagement and treatment outcomes remain insufficiently studied. Future research should address these gaps through longitudinal studies and evidence-based evaluations. Achieving a deeper understanding of the clinical benefits of social media in urologic care will enable the development of evidence-based approaches for its optimal integration into healthcare systems. To enhance healthcare delivery in the digital era, medical professionals and researchers must advance AI- and big data-driven digital health strategies, reinforce the credibility of medical information, and create more patient-centered frameworks for treatment.
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