Exploring public perceptions of dementia on Twitter (X): a cross-cultural analysis

IF 13 1区医学 Q1 CLINICAL NEUROLOGY

Alzheimer's & Dementia Pub Date : 2025-03-05 DOI:10.1002/alz.70042

Saowaluk Srikajornlarp, Tassanee Lerksuthirat, Pattama Patpong, Boonsong Ongphiphadhanakul, Tanchanok Chattaris

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Twitter (X) is widely used to reflect individual perspectives. We wished to study social insight regarding dementia using this digital platform.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional study retrieving tweets containing “dementia” or “#dementia” and their Thai equivalents. English tweets were randomly selected, while all Thai tweets were collected. We identified user types, topics, and sentiments.

RESULTS

Of 10,062 English and 9511 Thai tweets, general users were the most prevalent in both languages. “Dementia” was used accurately in 39.0% of English tweets and as misinformation in 49.2% of Thai tweets. Stigma was significantly more common in English (38.9%) than in Thai (22.6%) tweets (p-value < 0.001), and negative perceptions were expressed in 44.2% and 81.3% of English and Thai tweets, respectively (p-value < 0.001).

DISCUSSION

Different inappropriate uses of “dementia” were observed. To alleviate negative perceptions, reducing stigmatization is urgently needed in English-speaking communities, whereas in Thailand, appropriate dementia education should be undertaken immediately.

Highlights

We found differences in the perceptions of “dementia” between English and Thai tweets.
Using “dementia” to attack individuals was common among English Twitter (X) users.
“Misinformation” regarding the term “dementia” was observed among Thai users.

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来源期刊

Alzheimer's & Dementia 医学-临床神经学

CiteScore

14.50

自引率

5.00%

发文量

299

审稿时长

3 months

期刊介绍： Alzheimer's & Dementia is a peer-reviewed journal that aims to bridge knowledge gaps in dementia research by covering the entire spectrum, from basic science to clinical trials to social and behavioral investigations. It provides a platform for rapid communication of new findings and ideas, optimal translation of research into practical applications, increasing knowledge across diverse disciplines for early detection, diagnosis, and intervention, and identifying promising new research directions. In July 2008, Alzheimer's & Dementia was accepted for indexing by MEDLINE, recognizing its scientific merit and contribution to Alzheimer's research.