PL04.03 - Recognize the 21st Century and Students and Practitioners Scholarship

Technology and the advent of infodemiology (i.e., uses of internet related content for improving public health) is driving the practice of health education/health promotion in the 21st Century. The widespread use of cell phones, text messaging, mobile applications, mobile websites, and more recently the use of artificial intelligence (AI) have transformed the training, roles and practices of health educators and communicators. While social media sites have exploded our capacity to reach millions of people with health messages and advice, they also have promulgated harmful, misinformation and disinformation at a time when many individuals lack essential health literacy and numeracy skills. This conference track encourages abstracts on the teaching, research and practice of infodemiology, including new skills and competencies needed by health educators to keep pace with rapid technological capacities such as AI; impacts and interventions to prevent and mitigate social isolation, loneliness, anxiety and mental health linked to social media; organizational policies and procedures to address AI and other ethical issues in health communication; and the impact of health communication and technology on inclusion and equity across populations.

HESPA II Competencies
Evaluation
4.1 Design process, impact, and outcome evaluation of the intervention.

Advocacy
5.1 Identify a current or emerging health issue requiring policy, systems, or environmental change.

Communication
6.2.3 Identify factors that facilitate and/or hinder the intended outcome of the communication