Exploring public perceptions of dementia on Twitter (X): a cross-cultural analysis

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Twitter (X) is widely used to reflect individual perspectives. We wished to study social insight regarding dementia using this digital platform. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study retrieving tweets containing “dementia” or “#dementia” and their Thai equivalents. English tweets were randomly selected, while all Thai tweets were collected. We identified user types, topics, and sentiments. RESULTS: Of 10,062 English and 9511 Thai tweets, general users were the most prevalent in both languages. “Dementia” was used accurately in 39.0% of English tweets and as misinformation in 49.2% of Thai tweets. Stigma was significantly more common in English (38.9%) than in Thai (22.6%) tweets (p-value < 0.001), and negative perceptions were expressed in 44.2% and 81.3% of English and Thai tweets, respectively (p-value < 0.001). DISCUSSION: Different inappropriate uses of “dementia” were observed. To alleviate negative perceptions, reducing stigmatization is urgently needed in English-speaking communities, whereas in Thailand, appropriate dementia education should be undertaken immediately. Highlights: We found differences in the perceptions of “dementia” between English and Thai tweets. Using “dementia” to attack individuals was common among English Twitter (X) users. “Misinformation” regarding the term “dementia” was observed among Thai users.