6 Comments

1. Ed Bennett  •  Mar 11, 2009 @2:18 pm
   

   Thank you for the post about my list. MySpace is certainly a valid form of social media, but wasn’t included because of time. We couldn’t search every social media site, so some didn’t make the cut.

   In the months since the list went up, I’ve heard from dozens of hospitals but none have mentioned a MySpace page. I’m sure they exist, but it doesn’t seem to be a focus for most hospitals.

   Thanks again,

   Ed Bennett
   ed@ebennett.org

2. LEVELTWO  •  Mar 11, 2009 @4:01 pm
   

   Thanks for the comment Ed. I’ll make an update to the the post with your comments.

3. Tom Stitt  •  Mar 11, 2009 @6:13 pm
   

   Having worked with a number of hospitals that were providing (or were about to provide) internet access to patients via wireless or interactive television, I can tell you that access to MySpace typically provokes strong negative reactions from the team assigned to make decisions about content. Most hospitals block MySpace (along with Facebook, YouTube and Twitter) on their enterprise (internal) network because these sites and services are not considered work related. When asked about the details of blocking MySpace for use by patients/visitors, the reasons given range from concerns about explicit content (mostly based on rumor, not fact), the number of pages with music that might have disturbing lyrics or be loud (ok, more likely) and finally a sense that illicit things happen on MySpace (no evidence, usually just a perception, maybe a news story vaguely recalled.) MySpace tends to be classified by the hospital content access team in the same category as content like The Speed Channel, HBO (other than HBO Family) or other television programing that can involve suggestive dialog, revealing clothing or profane language. Content access issues are especially complex for faith-based hospitals.

   In children’s hospitals, the interest in MySpace among the patients and like-aged visitors is very strong. Yes, the music can be annoying to other visitors and staff (along with the sounds from the console games) but most of the use cases for MySpace that I’ve heard about involve typical social network message sharing amongst young people. The text, graphics or video being shared by the youthful patients and visitors may not meet the content standards of a faith-based hospital.

   As more hospitals – for adults and children – transition to mostly private patient rooms, concerns about offensive content may lessen. Using MySpace as another patient education and communication pathway certainly could make sense for children’s hospitals. If a hospital is actively marketing service lines relevant to the under 30 generation (e.g., a hospital in a university market), MySpace could make sense. The edgy reputation enjoyed by the MySpace community is the main barrier to hospital adoption and, from my perspective, a strong part of the MySpace brand and positioning. In reality, you can find inappropriate content on Facebook or YouTube that matches the reputation of MySpace. Facebook and Google both work hard to make sure they are perceived as “responsible citizens” while MySpace enjoys the advantages and disadvantages of a “bad boy” reputation.

4. LEVELTWO  •  Mar 12, 2009 @12:16 pm
   

   Great comment Tom! I’m writing up a post focused on the subject of your post. It will be posted tomorrow.

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