In recent times, references are made to information obtained from facebook, twitter, and other social media sites. The tone of such messages is typically matter of fact with an implicit regard that such informational sources are expected. The times where scientific validity is regarded above all with regard to information is waning to the attractive immediacy of these social network sources. The peer review, abstract submission and invited manuscript process of publication of scientific information, while made efficient with the intranet are in contrast to the immediacy of the social media/networked information. A question arises with this reality; can social media be of use in the field of sleep medicine? The informality of social media does not provide an acceptable standard for the presentation of information. The lack of referenced sources similar to a rigorous peer review does not indicate it value to the field. Additionally, the typical cryptic, communiques provide little communication worth. For some types of social media, such as Facebook, the presentation of information has more of a marketing, public relations slant than factual. The attempts to provide educational information are usually done with brevity. The strongest reason for not using social media is that not all patients and peers use all of the varied sources (i.e., twitter, Facebook, linked in), and thus, a purpose to connect to patients is uncertain.

Social Media in Sleep Medicine: Use or don’t use?

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