Younger healthcare consumers tap the power of social media web sites

According to a survey by Pricewaterhouse Cooper (PwC), more than 80% of respondents ages 18 to 24 said they are likely to share health information through social media sites, compared with 45% of respondents ages 45 to 64.

When asked about ways in which they have used social media for health-related purposes:

• 42% of respondents said they have used social media to look up consumer reviews of health treatments or physicians;
• 30% said they have supported a health cause through social media;
• 25% said they have shared their own health experiences on social media websites; and
• 20% said they have joined a health forum or online health community.