Some may argue that the rise of social networks has bred a culture of impersonal interaction, but in a recent statement the American Heart Association suggests that tools such as Facebook and Twitter are ripe with therapeutic potential.
"Some research shows that even in virtual social networks, people tend to associate with others like themselves. So if you develop a network of kids who are overweight, you can have an impact on all of them - in the real world and online - because if one starts making healthy changes, the others will be influenced to do so as well," says Dr. Jennifer Li, division chief of pediatric cardiology at Duke University Medical Center. "Athletes tend to hang out with athletes, and overweight kids hang out together so they reinforce each other's habits or preferences for recreational activities."
Social networks are available to 95 percent of children between the ages of 12 and 17, according to the statement. While Li acknowledges the constructive potential of online communication, she also admits the dangers of anonymity tied to any text-based community.
"Doctors need to understand digital technology better so that they can offer guidance to patients and their families on avoiding such issues, and be aware of any such problems that occur," adds Li. "Teenagers are texting and using Facebook and other social media as their primary communication with their peers, and we need to find out what factors can be incorperated into social media that will increase the effectiveness of these interventions to initiate and maintain weight loss in kids and adolescents."
The American Heart Association published the statement in its official journal Circulation.