PrintA few weeks ago we released an infographic titled, "What You Need To Know: Facebook, Prvacy and Health", which was supported by a 30+ page report we published, "Just Between Us: Facebook, Privacy and Health". The infographic highlights the results of a national survey we conducted in the fall of 2010 wherein we asked American Facebook users whether or not they were currently or ever planned on sharing personal health information on the social network.
The data provided plenty of food for thought: 68% of Facebook users have not and would not share their health information on the site. Considering that that nearly half of U.S. adults hold a Facebook account, this is a stat health marketing communications pros should pay a lot of attention to. When we dug deeper to determine why people were so reluctant to share, we learned many have a healthy fear of marketers. 32% of non-sharers expresed worry that marketers would find their information and potentially use it to sell products or services.
What's your take on this data? Given that Facebook lags behind specialized health social networks like TuDiabetes and MedHelp, should health marketers focus less on Facebook and more on health social networks where sharing is more the norm?
Focus on Healthcare Communities for Engagement & Education
By CarlenLea on Wednesday, July 20, 2011
This was my rant at SXSW last year. We need to focus on the right channels, mediums, and sites -- not just what's popular in general.
Advertising on Facebook may make sense, but people don't want to "like" your drug.