People who use a particular Social Media are Healthier than those who use another Platform

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Paul Andrew Bourne
Department of Institutional Research, Northern Caribbean University, Mandeville, Manchester, Jamaica, WI.
Jessica Bennett
Department of Nursing, Northern Caribbean University, Mandeville, Manchester, Jamaica, WI.
Imani Ebanks
Department of Nursing, Northern Caribbean University, Mandeville, Manchester, Jamaica, WI.
Shedene Taylor
Department of Nursing, Northern Caribbean University, Mandeville, Manchester, Jamaica, WI.
Sandy Walker
Department of Nursing, Northern Caribbean University, Mandeville, Manchester, Jamaica, WI.
James Fallah
Department of Dental Hygiene, Northern Caribbean University, Mandeville, Manchester, Jamaica, WI.
Calvin Campbell
Department of Mathematics and Engineering, Northern Caribbean University, Mandeville, Manchester, Jamaica, WI.
Clifton Foster
Department of Biology, Chemistry, and Environmental Sciences, Northern Caribbean University, Mandeville, Manchester, Jamaica, WI.
Caroline McLean
Department of Nursing, Northern Caribbean University, Mandeville, Manchester, Jamaica, WI.
Dian Russell Parkes
Department of Nursing, Northern Caribbean University, Mandeville, Manchester, Jamaica, WI.
Tabitha Muchee
Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Northern Caribbean University, Mandeville, Manchester, Jamaica, WI.

Abstract

Introduction: Social media networks facilitate the communication, creation, and sharing of content. Social networking is an international phenomenon. What began as a hobby for computer literate individuals has become a way of life and social norm for people globally. The overuse of social media networks has led to various physical and social concerns, including but not limited to lack of sleep, irregular diet, low self-esteem, cyberbullying, and reduction in work and academic performance.


Objective: This study explores the use of social media platforms (YouTube and Instagram) and the discrepancies in the health status of its users.


Methods and material: A descriptive research design was employed in this study, utilizing a purposive sampling technique to gather relevant data. Data collected was stored, retrieved, and analyzed using the Statistical Packages for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25.0  software for windows. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, frequency distributions, and percentages.


Findings: Almost 12% of the respondents who prefer using Instagram reported an excellent self-reported general health status compared to 21.0% of those who prefer using YouTube. Likewise, 21.4% of Instagram users have self-reported health status as "very good" compared to 38.7% of YouTube users. In addition, those who prefer to use YouTube were 1.534 times more likely to report good health status (i.e., good to excellent self-reported health status) compared to those who prefer using Instagram. Respondents who prefer to use YouTube are more likely to report having 1) asthma and hypertension (1.2%), 2. Hypertension (22.2%), and 3. Sickle cell (17.9%) compared to those who prefer using Instagram, 1) asthma and hypertension (0.0%), 2. Hypertension (20.0%), 3. Sickle cell (10.0%) respectively. However, those who prefer using Instagram were more likely to report having asthma (40.0%) compared to those who prefer using YouTube (34.0) as well as Diabetes (16.7%) and 13.0% respectively.


Conclusion: The widespread use of social media networks has revolutionized how people communicate with each other. This research provides an insight into the self-reported health status of YouTube and Instagram users in Jamaica, and can be the catalyst for further studies on the general health status of those who use various social media platforms.

Article Details

Issue
Vol 6 No 1 (2022): International Journal of Emerging Trends in Information & Knowledge Management (ISSN: 2581-3579)
Section
Articles