Sax Bates HLPE1530 2183682

Inquiry Project
Report (1500 words)
How has the inquiry project experience advanced my understanding of what good health education
might be, and why?
Targeted throughout the inquiry project was how media affects the health and wellbeing of an individual.
To narrow down the concepts, social media was allocated to be focused upon for the presentation. The
inquiry project aided in shedding light upon a variety of concepts that were extremely interesting as well as
confronting, as through research it was learned that social media can be both beneficial, as well as
detrimental to an individuals health. Defined by the Oxford dictionary as; The main means of mass
communication (broadcasting, publishing, and the Internet) regarded collectively (Oxford, 2017), the
common stereotypes around media were investigated to be portrayed in an extremely negative manner. This
was largely due to the fact media publishes far from truthful stories and information which is more
entertaining for the general public.
Within the inquiry project duration, several experiences were had to further develop my knowledge in both
media fields, as well as in a health-related setting. For example, prior to beginning extensive research,
subcategories were made to ensure an in-depth presentation was achieved. Subcategories such as; social
media history, positives and negatives of social media, health issues related to social media, what can be
done to limit negative experiences with social media and how social media is aiding the community
successfully portray the level of knowledge in both health and general media terms that was acquired.
Defined as the state of being free of illness or injury by the Oxford dictionary (Oxford, 2017), it is quite
clear that ones health may be affected in countless ways through misuse of social media, misinterpretation
of social media and social media in general. These concepts were extremely captivating and advanced my
opinion and thoughts on how good health education may be used to combat this.
Whilst the investigation into the negative impacts social media may have on health proved that it is a
personal opinion as to whether one perceives social media to be positive or negative, there are a series of
aspects to consider for each option. For example, I learned the ABS show studies reflecting 63% of social
media users being thrilled with experiences associated with social media usage, however, rates of bullying,
depression, suicides and scams continue to rise at unimaginable rates (ABS, 2016). In terms of negative
effects that social media may have upon the society, social media is a breeding ground for factors such as:
bullying, hacking, scams, and the glamorization of drugs and alcohol. A few instances that were directly
researched included an example of fake news, as Donald Trump had recently made a public address
concerning this concept. This aided in highlighting the importance of health-related education to avoid
instances such as this happening, as many can be affected by a multitude of fake news scenarios. Another
example is the glamorization of drugs and alcohol all celebrities are beginning to make. This can set an
unhealthy example to younger generations of individuals, therefore affecting health and well-being.
Similarly, studies by Dr. Lloyd Jones were investigated to suggest that social media is extending its reach
to impact heart disease and stroke patients wellbeing, as well as increasing their blood pressure
exponentially (Jones, 2016). It was clear after researching these particular examples of bad health related
social media that a degree of health education is clearly needed in modern society.
On the other hand, positive connections were found to be also made with social media. These findings were
quite intriguing, as despite the negative health related impacts, there seemed to be a plethora of positive
aspects. For example, social media in the modern society offers handy necessities that have commonly been
taken for granted, especially as of late. Research suggests that the average Australian believes that social
media is essential in their life (ABS, 2016), which is confronting, as many also believe; social media, and
Sax Bates HLPE1530 2183682

media in general has become a necessity in life (Smith, 2015). This further enhances my understanding
that if a strengthened health education program is achieved, the positive aspects of social media may be
enhanced and used for greater purposes.
Currently, positive outcomes of social media tend to be extremely varied. Research conducted throughout
the inquiry presented numerous arguments in support of social media being a platform for health promotion.
For example, greater connectivity is achieved through social media and encourages communication with a
great number of people from across the world. Communication was displayed recently in the world-wide
phenomenon London terror attacks, which compels the investigation to question whether social media may,
in fact, be quite a positive aspect in order to preserve, promote, as well as educate health concepts. Similarly,
social media is a playground for advertising campaigns, which may be positive and negative, however, in
order to promote health related products, these are sometimes essential in society as they enable community
awareness to be heightened on products and information. Another example of how health related outcomes
are being achieved through social media is the wide range of individuals that may be educated through it.
Although some consider health related education through media to be somewhat unhealthy for the audience,
the promotion of health strategies such as 2 and 5, as well as obesity campaigns can be seen to have
flourished due to the continued advertising campaigns seen online. Results from the 2 and 5 campaigns
support these claims, stating social media is one of the most influential ways to convey their message (2&5,
2015).
Also advancing my personal understanding of the Ottawa Charter, the inquiry project enabled social media
to be tied to this concept. Building upon positive impacts that social media may have on society, it was
important to introduce the Ottawa Charter and the implications social media can enforce due to this (WHO,
2016). Social media addresses each of the sub categories within the charter, which aids in displaying the
effect that social media has the potential to make on society if enhanced correctly. Some of the categories
social media is able to address include strengthening community action, developing personal skills, creating
supportive environments and reorienting health services. Each of these categories enhanced understanding
of what health education may be available, and whom it may affect if used correctly.
Pondering all information gathered throughout the inquiry, a healthy and beneficial health education
campaign might come in the form of online call centers for people wanting advice. This would be extremely
beneficial as individuals are able to remain anonymous if they wish, which sometimes encourages the caller
to be more open in requesting health education. Handy tips and suggestions that may present strategies in
order to combat issues that might arise from social media or health aspects in general might also be an
example of good education that is seen on social media, this is due to the laid-back nature of tips and
strategies which sometimes draws the attention of an everyday social media user. The inquiry project
advanced my understanding that good health education can be seems in a plethora of forms throughout
social media, however, encouraged me to also take into consideration the bad impacts that social media
may play on an individuals health. This is largely seen through investigating the beneficial ways in which
the internet can broadcast countless health campaigns, as well as highlighting the handful of ways in which
social media might look to be improved.
The inquiry project has helped me uncover truths and information that I would never have thought to be
relevant in a health-related setting. Some of the negative effects that have been proven across the country
are absolutely mind blowing, not to mention confronting, however expert opinions and statistics aid in
portraying social media from a larger scale. Having the ability to take in this information has certainly made
me realize the importance of education in general when it comes to health, supporting the positive impacts
that social media may have on health. Advancing my understanding on the possible ways of combatting
negative links with social media using health education strategies has empowered me to make a difference,
Sax Bates HLPE1530 2183682

especially in the near future where I aspire to teach because if action is taken, I believe the social media
footprint that has been so prominent in society can be enhanced to support health and wellbeing.
References
"Australian Bureau Of Statistics, Australian Government". Abs.gov.au. N.p., 2017. Web. 13 June 2017.
"Go For 2&5 Fruit And Vegetable Campaign". Healthywa.wa.gov.au. N.p., 2017. Web. 13 June 2017.
"Health - Definition Of Health In English | Oxford Dictionaries". Oxford Dictionaries | English. N.p.,
2017. Web. 13 June 2017.
Jones, Martin. "Health". Dacas.org.au. N.p., 2017. Web. 13 June 2017.
"Media - Definition Of Media In English | Oxford Dictionaries". Oxford Dictionaries | English. N.p.,
2017. Web. 13 June 2017.
Smith, Adam. "Adam Smith Quotes - Brainyquote". BrainyQuote. N.p., 2017. Web. 13 June 2017.
"The Ottawa Charter For Health Promotion". World Health Organization. N.p., 2017. Web. 13 June 2017.