The Digital Medic: Assessing the Role of Social Media in Empowering Individuals with Health Knowledge and Choices

Abstract

Purpose: The rapid expansion of social media platforms has significantly transformed communication patterns and information access. This study examines the role of social media in sharing health-related content among Indian users, evaluating its trust, influence, and impact. Methodology: A questionnaire survey was conducted among 100 people using SPSS v24, G-power, and literature reviews. Statistical methods assessed reliability, trust, influencing behaviour, and impact perspectives. A model was developed using SPSS 21 AMOS software. Findings: This study examines the transformative potential of social media platforms like YouTube and Instagram for health-oriented information dissemination. It found a significant association between gender and the use of social media for medical information, with independent variables including reliability and Trust, Influence and Behaviour Impact and perspective, and positive impact. The value of ANOVA in the regression model was 0.00, indicating a better fit for the regression model. Practical Implication: The effectiveness of tools in decision-making is crucial for organisations like fitness clubs, gyms, and yoga centres to boost publicity, increase consumer base, and achieve higher revenues, while general people can find trustworthy healthcare information platforms.