Ethics in an Age of Information Seekers: A Survey of Licensed Healthcare Providers about Online Social Networking

Abstract

The present study explores how licensed health care providers use social media. The researchers utilized a survey to explore 88 licensed psychologists, physicians, and social workers average numbers of Facebook© friends, social groups, and photo albums as well as attitudes toward possible regulation of online social networking by professional organizations. Statistically significant differences were found among groups regarding the degree to which they wanted guidance on ethically managing this new technology, with psychologists and social workers desiring more guidance than physicians. Overall, this study shows that the majority of the psychologists, physicians, and social workers who participated in this study now frequently use Facebook, often providing information on profiles that may include that which is not generally disclosed in a client–therapist relationship.

KEYWORDS:

• ethics
• Facebook
• health care
• social networking
• technology

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Shannon C. Anderson

Shannon C. Anderson, MS, received a Master of Science in Clinical Psychology degree from Pacific University and is currently a doctoral candidate there. Her current clinical and research interests include the treatment of co-occurring substance use disorders and trauma, leadership development, and the intersection of psychology and technology.

Michelle R. Guyton

Michelle R. Guyton, PhD, received an MA in Clinical Psychology from Sam Houston State University and a PhD in Clinical Psychology from the University of Utah. Dr. Guyton is an associate professor in the School of Professional Psychology at Pacific University.