I <3 #cytopath: Using social media to create a collaborative index of online cytopathology resources and a discussion of post-pandemic cytopathology e-learning

Summary: Background: In recent years, social media has profoundly impacted the practice of medicine, including the field of cytopathology. This systematic review seeks to analyze recent trends in the use of social media within cytopathology. Methods: A systematic review of four databases (PubMed, Medline, Embase, Scopus) was conducted up to December 22nd, 2022, to identify relevant English language articles from the past decade. Studies were included if they discussed the use of social media within the field of cytopathology. After eliminating duplicates and irrelevant studies, 16 articles were included for systematic analysis. Results: The most commonly used platform among cytopathologists was X (Twitter), with popular hashtags such as #Cytopath and #FNAFriday. Two of the included studies discussed the use of social media in cytopathology during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting its role as a rapid communication tool in times of crisis. However, despite the growing use of social media, issues related to standardization were identified. Conclusion: This systematic review underscores the growing influence of social media in cytopathology, demonstrating its role in networking, case discussion, and education. While it has the potential to revolutionize professional communication and knowledge sharing, issues concerning formalized approaches, privacy, and the potential for misinformation still needs to be addressed. Future research and guidelines are necessary to optimize the use of social media in cytopathology.