Evaluating Registered Dietitians Nutritionists' (RDN) Knowledge, Attitudes, Behaviors and Practices of Social MEdia Best Practices and the Role of the RDN Social Media Influencer

Abstract

The growing use of social media has expanded the potential for RDNs to work with brands to promote products, as other health professionals have done for many years. However, scrutiny of the profession of nutrition and dietetics brought RDN influencers under fire due to disclosure practices and the perception of conflicts of interest in the social media sphere. This survey examined the knowledge, attitudes and behaviors of current RDNs and social media best practices. With 163 respondents over the age of 18 and currently an RDN, part one of the survey included demographic questions, multiple choice and Likert scale questions regarding if they apply the best practices guidelines to their conduct on social media, how they feel paid promotion reflects on the profession of nutrition and dietetics as a whole, if paid promotions by RDNs on social media is ethical, and if they believed the current guidelines and best practices are clear enough for defining ethical lines for RDNs to make sponsored posts on social media. Part two, with 50 participants continuing on from part one, included nine open-ended questions regarding social media knowledge, attitudes and behaviors regarding RDN social media influencing. The demographics of this survey population aligned with the participants in the 2024 compensation and Benefits survey by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, with 84% being White and 95.7% being female. The majority of participants were active social media users. Although the majority were not influencers, several participants said they would take a sponsorship, many thought the promotion on social media by RDNs reflected negatively on the profession, and almost half the participants felt the act of disclosure was enough for the public to be informed of the relationship of the RDN and the brand. Using thematic analysis, the results of this survey showed many RDNs support the use of social media by RDNs to sponsor products and brands that are evidence-based. There is a belief among participants that because other health professionals do it, it should not be an issue or restricted for RDNs to also create sponsored social media content. Finally, promoting only evidence-based products was important to the participants. Suggestions for improving the guidelines for best practices on social media included refining the clarity and ease of the guidelines using educational materials such as webpages and videos, reusable disclosure statements and potential fact-checking systems.