Can social media help you reach your health goals?
VCU expert Sunny Jung Kim explains the pros and cons of using social media platforms to build healthy habits.
February 17, 2026
When used responsibly, a VCU expert says digital platforms can be powerful tools for finding the motivation and social support to meet health goals. (Getty Images)
By Olivia Trani
What do phone apps that track and share your daily bike ride, viral 75-day competitions and “Couch-to-5K" programs have in common? These digital activities promote healthy habits and build connections with others trying to do the same.
More than ever, people are turning to social media and health-related apps to make positive changes. And there is a growing body of research that – when used responsibly – these digital platforms can be powerful tools for finding the motivation and social support to meet your health goals.
“When evidence-based approaches guide the content, social media campaigns and online communities can empower people to adopt healthier behaviors and stay engaged with their goals,” said Sunny Jung Kim, Ph.D., an associate professor in the Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences at Virginia Commonwealth University’s School of Public Health.
Sunny Jung Kim, Ph.D., associate professor at VCU School of Public Health. (Contributed photo)
VCU Health News spoke with Kim on how social media can help make effective and sustainable health habits, as well as advice for finding online communities that are helpful rather than harmful.
What does science tell us about why social media helps people keep up healthy habits?
Social media and other digital platforms can provide two critical drivers of behavioral change: motivation and social support. For example, seeing others’ progress and positive change shared on social media can help people internalize healthy norms. At the same time, exchanging emotional and informational support can further reinforce sustained healthy behaviors.
What elements of social media make it helpful for people trying to meet their health goals?
When thoughtfully leveraged, social media has a number of built-in features that can support well-being and sustained healthy behaviors. Some factors include:
- Information: Free and easily accessible health information from peers, relevant communities and experts.
- Inspiration: Seeing others share their progress in their health can motivate positive behavior change in your own life.
- Autonomy: Having the autonomy to make healthy behavioral changes at your own pace.
- Community: Platform features such as joining groups, liking or reacting to posts and communicating directly with peers or experts help foster a sense of belonging.
What should people be mindful of when using social media and other digital tools to improve their health and well-being? What potential pitfalls should they avoid?
Social media is a double-edged sword. Research shows that patients can benefit in meaningful ways when they actively engage with evidence-based social media interventions designed to improve health outcomes. This includes health behavior changes like increasing physical activity, empowering smoking cessation, and enabling addiction recovery support. At the same time, not all social media environments are regulated or backed by science, which can expose users to misinformation or potentially harmful content. This makes it critical for patients to be informed and to approach online content with a critical eye – not all health information shared online is grounded in scientific evidence.
Before joining an online community to support your health goals, look closely at the quality of the information shared, whether posts reference credible sources such as medical organizations or peer-reviewed research, and how active the group is in correcting misinformation. You can also consult with your health care provider for suggestions on how to find reputable sources for health information and online communities.
What other advice do you have for people who are looking to use social media as a tool to enhance their well-being?
Social media interventions alone do not drive behavior change. People must be motivated, willing to adapt, and committed to making changes to reach their health goals. However, social media can help you build self-discipline, enable you to algorithmically connect with relevant content and intentionally surround yourself with communities and others who share and actively pursue similar goals.
