By /

Lauren Hutton

Digital Discourse on Fibromyalgia: Insights from Facebook, Instagram and TikTok

Biography

Lauren Hutton is a fourth-year student at Toronto Metropolitan University pursuing a BA in Professional Communication with a minor in Marketing. She has a strong passion for digital marketing and brand development and has experience working at startups and corporate companies. Beyond her academic and professional pursuits, Lauren has an interest in health and wellness, particularly in yoga and fitness. She also explores visual storytelling through photography and graphic design, leveraging these creative mediums to enhance digital communication and brand narratives.

Details of Project

This study examines how fibromyalgia is discussed across three major social media platforms, assessing whether these spaces serve as effective tool for awareness, education and support. The research was inspired by the personal connection to fibromyalgia and widespread stigma surrounding the illness.

Many individuals face skepticism from healthcare providers and their loved ones, with ongoing debates about the legitimacy of the illness. The literature review identified a major gap in research about how fibromyalgia is shared online. Therefore, the research further investigates how fibromyalgia is represented, how users interact with the content, and whether misinformation is prevalent on these platforms.

Based on the findings, this research seeks to provide strategies for improving awareness, changing public perception, and encouraging healthcare providers to offer more attentive care to individuals with fibromyalgia.

Lightning talk

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