The impact of social media on the diabetes industry

2014-04-30This paper examines the impact social media has had on the diabetes medical device industry. More specifically, it analyzes the current uses of social media tools and addresses areas of growth for medical device companies and their social media activities. The purpose of this study is to not only gauge their usage of social media, but to look at the value of their content and interaction with consumers. The key issues discussed in this paper are privacy laws, FDA restrictions, and consumers’ needs for more personable interaction with their medical device providers. Results reveal that most consumers use social media to express their opinions on their devices, however the medical device companies are not able to fully engage in these types of conversations online. At the same time, consumers interact and engage more with medical device companies’ social media accounts if unique content is posted frequently. The principal conclusion is that it is important to engage with consumers and to monitor their social media posts regarding products. In order for changes to be made to devices, the responsibility is left to the consumers of the product to share their experiences in every way possible with medical device companies. Only then will diabetics see a change in the products they use on a day‐to‐day basis