Is social media in healthcare on the rise? As a technology, social media is primed to become the next big tool for improving public health and educating patients, according to data presented at the 2009 National Conference on Health Communication, Marketing & Media.

During the conference, themed “Participation Powers Prevention,” Susannah Fox of the Pew Internet & American Life Project offered these facts and figures on social media in healthcare:

• 79% of adults in the U.S. use the Internet, up from 46% in 2000.
• 56% of adults have accessed the Internet wirelessly via laptop or mobile device.