Social media and misinformation in urology: what can be done?

Social media platforms have become an essential part of our daily lives. While YouTube and Facebook continue to dominate the online landscape, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok favorite social in younger generation. TikTok, app that allows users create share 15-s videos, is one fastest-growing platforms. Currently, almost half young adults aged <30 years uses it has accumulated >1.1 billion active worldwide [1]. In this issue BJUI, study by Xu et al. [2] investigated misinformation quality information prostate cancer-related videos on TikTok. A total 55 with hashtag #prostatecancer were reviewed analysed. Although had 134 944 individual views, vast majority them (98.2%) moderate poor quality. Among provided objective information, 41% contained a significant amount misinformation. Moreover, 10.1% all apparent commercial bias. These results are worrisome, as receipt biased false can potentially influence health-seeking behaviour patients. People ‘surf’ web gather about uro-oncological diseases trap ‘fake news’ always around corner [3]. fact, dissemination poor-quality very common. This been demonstrated consistently across different urological conditions various [4]. particularly concerning when contents tend attract more public engagement difficult establish laws regulate usage for healthcare-related contents, we should think ways utilise appropriate positive manner. As healthcare professionals, ensure high-quality be delivered rapidly evolving digital era, understand immense potentials learn how use wisely. differ their users’ demographics styles communication interaction. The choice greatly depends target audience purpose activities. For example, Instagram may good platform raising awareness testicular cancer men, whereas Twitter better sharing experiences exchanging medical knowledge among urologists. Creating yield maximal skill requires learning certain degree expertise [5]. analytics also help us reach effectively [6]. general patients educated possibility encountering low-quality even Urological associations, professional bodies, institutions hospitals could play role information. European Association Urology (EAU) established EAU Patient Information portal (https://patients.uroweb.org) access reliable conditions. Care Foundation (https://www.urologyhealth.org), Official American (AUA), produced numerous patient-education materials based AUA Clinical Guidelines. valuable actively disseminated who need care. Misinformation urology genuine problem must try best resolve it. None.