Generational Divides and Guidance Needs in the Use of Social Media: Results from an Italian Dermatology Survey.
14 affiliations
- 1Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padua, Italy.
- 2Section of Dermatology and Venereology, Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Italy.
- 3Division of Dermatology Cesena/Forlì/Burn Centre and Regional Regional Skin Bank, AUSL Romagna, Italy.
- 4Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Italy.
- 5Dermatology Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Italy.
- 6Dermatology Unit, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Italy.
- 7Skin Cancer Unit, IRCCS, Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST), Meldola, Italy.
- 8Dermatologist in private practice, Benevento, Italy.
- 9Dermatology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera 'A. Manzoni', Lecco, Italy.
- 10Director Emeritus, Department of Dermatology and Sexually Transmitted Diseases, ARNAS-Palermo, Italy.
- 11Dermatology Unit, Galliera Hospital, Genoa, Italy.
- 12Department of Statistical Sciences, University of Padua, Padova, Italy.
- 13Pediatric Dermatology Regional Center, Department of Women's and Children's Health (SDB), University of Padua, Italy.
- 14Italian Association of Hospital Dermatologists.
Abstract
Background
The growing influence of social media in healthcare raises ethical, regulatory, and professional concerns. Dermatology, positioned at the intersection of clinical, surgical, and aesthetic medicine, faces unique challenges in navigating this digital landscape.Objectives
To assess how dermatology professionals in Italy use social media; identify behavioural patterns and sociodemographic correlates; and explore perceived challenges, educational needs, and the potential role of institutional guidance.Methods
A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among Italian dermatologists, residents, students, and nurses (n = 201). The 25-item questionnaire explored demographics, platform use, content shared, and perceptions. Descriptive statistics, hierarchical clustering (Ward's method), and Multiple Correspondence Analysis (MCA) were used to assess usage patterns and their association with age, experience, and role.Results
Among respondents, 49.8% reported professional use of social media. Two clusters emerged: Cluster 1 (n = 52), mainly older, experienced professionals with low activity and limited platform use; and Cluster 2 (n = 48), younger, less experienced users more active on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. Significant associations were found with age (p < 0.001), experience (p < 0.001), and professional role (p = 0.0039). While most acknowledged social media's value for education and prevention, concerns emerged about misinformation, legal risks, and inadequate training. Only 11.4% had received formal instruction. Over 75% supported official recommendations.Conclusions
A generational divide and lack of structured training result in fragmented digital engagement among Italian dermatologists. Institutional guidance could help promote ethical communication, reinforce professional credibility, and support public health through trustworthy digital content.
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BibTeX
@article{cassalia2026generational,
title = {{Generational Divides and Guidance Needs in the Use of Social Media: Results from an Italian Dermatology Survey.}},
author = {Fortunato Cassalia and Andrea Danese and Carmine D'Acunto and Antonio Russo and Corrado Zengarini and Michelangelo La Placa and Christian Ciolfi and Filippo Scolaro and Ignazio Stanganelli and Francesco Cusano and Fabrizio Fantini and Salvatore Amato and Davide Melandri and Cesare Massone and Laura Ventura and Andrea Serracchia and Anna Belloni Fortina and ADOI},
journal = {Dermatology practical \& conceptual},
year = {2026},
month = jul,
doi = {10.5826/dpc.1603a6556},
url = {https://europepmc.org/article/MED/42858408},
note = {CC BY-NC},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Generational Divides and Guidance Needs in the Use of Social Media: Results from an Italian Dermatology Survey.
AU - Fortunato Cassalia
AU - Andrea Danese
AU - Carmine D'Acunto
AU - Antonio Russo
AU - Corrado Zengarini
AU - Michelangelo La Placa
AU - Christian Ciolfi
AU - Filippo Scolaro
AU - Ignazio Stanganelli
AU - Francesco Cusano
AU - Fabrizio Fantini
AU - Salvatore Amato
AU - Davide Melandri
AU - Cesare Massone
AU - Laura Ventura
AU - Andrea Serracchia
AU - Anna Belloni Fortina
AU - ADOI
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/07/31
JO - Dermatology practical & conceptual
DO - 10.5826/dpc.1603a6556
UR - https://europepmc.org/article/MED/42858408
AB - Background The growing influence of social media in healthcare raises ethical, regulatory, and professional concerns. Dermatology, positioned at the intersection of clinical, surgical, and aesthetic medicine, faces unique challenges in navigating this digital landscape.Objectives To assess how dermatology professionals in Italy use social media; identify behavioural patterns and sociodemographic correlates; and explore perceived challenges, educational needs, and the potential role of institutional guidance.Methods A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among Italian dermatologists, residents, students, and nurses (n = 201). The 25-item questionnaire explored demographics, platform use, content shared, and perceptions. Descriptive statistics, hierarchical clustering (Ward's method), and Multiple Correspondence Analysis (MCA) were used to assess usage patterns and their association with age, experience, and role.Results Among respondents, 49.8% reported professional use of social media. Two clusters emerged: Cluster 1 (n = 52), mainly older, experienced professionals with low activity and limited platform use; and Cluster 2 (n = 48), younger, less experienced users more active on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. Significant associations were found with age (p < 0.001), experience (p < 0.001), and professional role (p = 0.0039). While most acknowledged social media's value for education and prevention, concerns emerged about misinformation, legal risks, and inadequate training. Only 11.4% had received formal instruction. Over 75% supported official recommendations.Conclusions A generational divide and lack of structured training result in fragmented digital engagement among Italian dermatologists. Institutional guidance could help promote ethical communication, reinforce professional credibility, and support public health through trustworthy digital content.
SN - 2160-9381
ER -