https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32504611/

University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

When compared to control articles, tweeted articles achieved significantly greater increase in Altmetric scores (Tweeted 9.4±5.8 vs. Non-Tweeted 1.0±1.8, p<0.001), Altmetric score percentiles relative to articles of similar age from each respective journal (Tweeted 76.0±9.1%ile vs. Non-Tweeted 13.8±22.7%ile, p<0.001), with greater change in citations at 1 year (Tweeted +3.1±2.4 vs. Non-Tweeted +0.7±1.3, p<0.001). Multivariable analysis showed that independent predictors of citations were randomization to tweeting (OR 9.50; 95%CI 3.30-27.35, p<0.001), Altmetric score (OR 1.32; 95%CI 1.15-1.50, p<0.001), open-access status (OR 1.56; 95%CI 1.21-1.78, p<0.001), and exposure to a larger number of Twitter followers as quantified by impressions (OR 1.30, 95%CI 1.10-1.49, p<0.001).

Results for study linked in tweet about social media impact on number of citations on a paper

- Misinformation often occurs during the pandemic and leads to negative consequences.

- Social media can be a useful tool that provides opportunities to disseminate and receive relevant information for patients, clinicians and scientists.

- Better research methods and proper use of these platforms by health scientists and the public are warranted to address social media’s role in health policy and individual decisions. A multi-disciplinary approach with better outreach and dissemination is optimal.

Highlights from Cuello-Garcia's commentary

A total of 112 representative original articles were randomized 1:1 to be tweeted via The Thoracic Surgery Social Media Network (TSSMN) or a control (non-tweeted) group. Measurements included citations at 1-year compared to baseline, as well as article-level metrics (Altmetric score) and Twitter analytics. Independent predictors of citations were identified through univariable and multivariable regression analyses.

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