Cutting Remarks: A Cross-Sectional Survey of Social Media Utilization and Experience of Online Harassment Among Plastic Surgeons.

BACKGROUND

Social media has become essential for plastic surgeons to establish their practice. However, its use is accompanied by increased reports of online harassment, with limited data on its impact on the private lives, safety, and professional practices of plastic surgeons.

OBJECTIVES

The authors of this study aim to identify the prevalence and types of social media harassment, its consequences, and factors that increase the risk of harassment.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study involved a 30-question anonymous survey that was emailed to active members of The Aesthetic Society. Data on demographics, social media usage, and harassment were collected and analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 215/2600 members of The Aesthetic Society responded; most identified as private practitioners (97%), male (67%), and White (81%). Instagram (95%) and Facebook (90%) were the most used platforms. The majority of respondents (57%) post strictly professional content. Over half (58%) reported at least 1 experience of online harassment, mainly fake reviews (40%) and threatening messages (26%). Consequences included losing patients (24%) and legal issues (4%). Female respondents experienced sexual harassment at a higher rate compared with males (13% vs 2%, = .004). Posting preoperative and postoperative photographs (odds ratio [OR] 2.21, 95% CI, 1.05-4.74) and photographs with patients (OR 2.28, 95% CI, 1.16-4.57) were significantly associated with experiencing any form of harassment.

CONCLUSIONS

Over half of the respondents experienced harassment, a rate higher than that of other physicians or the general public. Harassment patterns varied by demographics, with a modifiable factor being whether surgeons post photographs of their patients.