The social media revolution

Since the introduction of social media, there has been much discussion about its use in professional practice. Within many of the health professions this discussion has been directed towards the personal use of social media and its possible effect on the individual's professional registration. The usefulness of social media within one's professional life has been largely ignored. Much of the advice given by managers and academics, especially to midwives and student midwives, has been alarmist regarding the risk to an individual's professional registration if they fail to abide by the regulatory framework of the profession. Social media, however, is the latest evolution in a series of communication pathways and as such should be judged in the same way as any other form of communication. This article aims to debate the opportunities and risks associated with the use of social media and offer a balanced argument for professional engagement with social media.