Blogpost 1

In shaping my personal and professional context for this course, my focus lies on delving into the theme of “Learning Technologies and Media” within the realm of contemporary issues in technology-enhanced learning and digital learning environments. Specifically, I am intrigued by the intersection of technology, social media, and nursing practice, with a notable emphasis on how social media influencers impact parental decision-making concerning birth preparedness.

Throughout my academic journey and nursing career, I have witnessed the burgeoning influence of social media on healthcare-related decisions, especially within the domains of pregnancy, childbirth, and new born care (Meier, 2020). Given the widespread use of social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok, influencers are able to share their personal experiences, ideas, and product recommendations about pregnancy, childbirth, and parenting (Powell, & Pring, 2023; Yap, & Lim, 2023).These social media platforms have swiftly emerged as primary sources of information and support for expectant parents because of it’s expansive reach and flexibility, offering a myriad of content spanning from pregnancy tips to postpartum care advice. (Powell & Pring, 2023).

My thesis, titled “Social Media Influencers and Birth Preparedness: Analysing the Impact of Online Influencers on Parental Decision-Making,” critically examines the implications of contemporary issues in technology-enhanced learning and digital learning environments, specifically within the context of childbirth preparation (Pretorius et al., 2019). Through rigorous analysis, I aim to uncover the multifaceted ways in which social media influencers shape parental decision-making processes regarding birth preparedness.

While social media influencers offer a wealth of information and support to expectant parents, concerns regarding the accuracy and reliability of the shared information have surfaced (Yap & Lim, 2023). Influencers may inadvertently endorse practices lacking empirical support or perpetuate myths and misconceptions related to pregnancy and childbirth. As such, there is a pressing need for healthcare providers and policymakers to understand and address the influence wielded by social media influencers on parental decision-making (Oliveira et al., 2020).

By analysing the role of social media influencers in shaping parental decision-making processes concerning birth preparedness, my research seeks to illuminate the intricate interplay between technology, social media, and healthcare decision-making. Furthermore, I aim to scrutinize a selection of issues in technology-enhanced and digital learning environments, encompassing social and ethical considerations, open educational practices, and learning design and delivery. Through this comprehensive examination, I aspire to contribute to a deeper understanding of technology integration’s complexities in healthcare settings, ultimately informing nursing practice and education for improved patient outcomes.

In light of my thesis topic and academic interests, my research question for the Final Project focuses on the following inquiry tailored to the nursing profession:

How can nursing education programs integrate digital literacy and critical media analysis skills into the curriculum to empower nursing students to navigate and evaluate online health information, particularly in the context of childbirth and parenting?

By exploring this research question, I aim to contribute significantly to advancing knowledge in both nursing practice and education, while simultaneously addressing pressing real-world challenges related to the pervasive influence of social media on parental decision-making within the context of birth preparedness. Understanding the intricate dynamics between social media influencers, healthcare providers, and expectant parents is crucial for enhancing nursing practice and education in the digital age. Moreover, by shedding light on the ethical considerations and professional responsibilities associated with engaging with social media influencers, healthcare professionals can develop strategies to navigate these challenges effectively while upholding patient-centered care and evidence-based practices.

In summary, my research endeavors seek to bridge the gap between theory and practice by critically examining the role of social media influencers in shaping parental decision-making processes. Ultimately, through rigorous research and analysis, I aspire to contribute to positive outcomes for both patients and healthcare providers in the realm of childbirth preparation and beyond.

References

Meier, S. (2020). Reproductive Health Decision-Making: Extending the Shared Decision-Making Model into the Community (Doctoral dissertation, Purdue University).

Oliveira, M., Marta, G., Solla, D., Teixeira, M., Figueiredo, E., Nieder, C. & Kosaka, T. (2020). Mortality, morbidity, and prognostic factors in the surgical resection of brain metastases: a contemporary cohort study. Journal of Neurological Surgery Part A: Central European Neurosurgery, 81(04), 279-289.

Powell, J., & Pring, T. (2024). The impact of social media influencers on health outcomes: Systematic review. Social Science & Medicine, 340, 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.socscimed.2023.116472

Pretorius, K., Johnson, K. E., & Rew, L. (2019). An integrative review: understanding parental use of social media to influence infant and child health. Maternal and child health journal, 23, 1360-1370.

Yap, S. F., & Lim, W. M. (2023). A paradox theory of social media consumption and child well being. Australasian Marketing Journal, 14413582221139492.