Influence of social media on the download of radiology articles.

INTRODUCTION

Social Media (SM) has transformed how content is shared, especially in the case of medicine. These platforms allow scientific literature to be shared and discussed. SM extends the reach of these scientific articles independent of their quality. The aim of this study was to discover whether sharing an article from Radiología on X (formerly known as Twitter) impacted its reach by analysing the number of downloads, taking into account the different article sections and types.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We selected articles published in Radiología between 2020 and 2022. The articles were promoted by two X accounts: @SERAM_RX and @RevistaRADIOLO2, and downloads were analysed prior to and following dissemination on X.

RESULTS

A total of 100 articles were examined. There was a significant increase in downloads after dissemination on both X accounts (@SERAM_RX: median 49.50, IQR 18.50-73.50 vs median 76.50, IQR 23.75-19; P<,001 and @RevistaRADIOLO2: median 43, IQR 13.75-133 vs median 65,50, IQR 20,50-277,50; P<,001), with no significant differences between the two accounts. Posts from @RevistaRADIOLO2 generated more interactions (views, 'likes', reposts; P<,05). Clinical care articles were downloaded more from @SERAM_RX (@SERAM_RX: median 83, IQR 24-198 vs @RevistaRADIOLO2: median 38, IQR 16-79; P<.045).

CONCLUSION

Sharing articles on SM increases downloads. SM significantly increases the reach of scientific articles and the number of downloads, highlighting the importance of a solid editorial strategy for these platforms.