‘negative comments on facebook can hinder doctors’ credibility’
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Researchers found that only one subtle comment posted expressing workplace frustration was enough for people to view one as a less credible health professional. "This study provides the
first evidence of the impact a health professionals' personal online disclosures can have on his/her credibility," said Serge Desmarais, Professor at the University of Guelph in
Canada. "This finding is significant not only because health professionals use social media in their personal lives, but are also encouraged to use it to promote themselves and engage
with the public," Desmarais said. For the study, the research team involved more than 350 participants who viewed a mock Facebook profile and rated the profile owner's credibility
and then rated their own willingness to become his client. The only factor that influenced viewers' perception of the profile owner's professionalism was a single work day
frustration comment.