Navigating the digital frontier during the COVID-19 pandemic and EVALI epidemic: The impact of social media on public health

This commentary explores how social media influenced public health narratives and responses during two recent health crises, the COVID-19 global pandemic and the e-cigarette or vaping product use–associated lung injury (EVALI) epidemic. In the context of COVID-19 pandemic, social media played a dual role, acting as both a catalyst for information dissemination and a breeding ground for misinformation. This situation highlighted the challenges public health institutions face in navigating online narratives and maintaining public trust during crises.