Executive Editor’s message: The internet (July 2018)

How can we ensure that veterinary science continues to advance and flourish? In the fast-paced climate of information growth and dissemination that occurs today, how can we do our part as veterinarians, scientists, researchers, students, and allied industry to see veterinary medicine, science in general, and animal health continue to advance? This is a loaded question with many potential avenues to consider. I think one important avenue for constant improvement is through continuing education, which in my mind includes the continued sharing of ideas, expertise, experiences, and opinions. There are many ways to share ideas and expertise amongst experts and one way, of course, is the publication of peer-reviewed manuscripts. The publication of peer-reviewed information is becoming more and more timely and the internet has been instrumental in the distribution of information as it becomes available. It is probably safe to say that most of us are aware that the internet plays a vastly important role in the dissemination of information. If you are interested in seeing how much information is exchanged on the internet, visit the Internet Society’s website and view their internet traffic report.1

Unfortunately, where there is information on the internet there is also misinformation. While I like to think that I would be savvy and critically reflective enough to identify misinformation on the internet, how do the general public and our clients sift through the information that bombards computer and phone screens and decide what is helpful, truthful, or fake news? The internet also seems to come with its own language that can be a challenge and constantly changing. Social media has proven to be this colloquial, double-edged sword where information and misinformation can be blogged, tweeted, liked, and apparently swiped right or left – I don’t even know what that last one means! Do you have an internet presence? Are you on Facebook? Although, I am told by my students that I might as well have a rotary dial phone and that I need move from Facebook to Instagram.

How can we do our part to minimize internet misinformation about the swine industry? I recently attended a very interesting and large swine producer-focused meeting. A keynote speaker at this meeting, who was a representative from a large modern agriculture company, spoke about the importance of producers embracing the role of agriculture spokesperson and to accomplish this by establishing a strong internet presence. I felt like this was vague advice and I wasn’t sure what the take home message was. However, I interpreted the message as advice to embrace the internet and as a gentle nudge to improve my internet and social media savvy-ness. Look out Instagram, here I come! I do think, however, there is some potential value in that advice. I encourage you to do the same so we can help our clients embrace the internet information exchange, aid in the interpretation of any information they read, and continue to ensure that veterinary science, animal health, and the swine industry continues to advance.

As I write this message I am packing my suitcase to travel to Chongqing, China to attend the International Pig Vet Society (IPVS) Congress. Call me old-school, but I prefer face-to-face meetings. Perhaps I will blog about my IPVS experiences or talk about them in my next message.

Terri O’Sullivan, DVM, PhD
Executive Editor

Reference

1. Internet Traffic Report. The Internet Society Website. http://internettrafficreport.com/. Updated June 1, 2018. Accessed June 1, 2018.