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Scientific Oral Presentations

Pediatric Otolaryngology

Session: Scientific Oral Presentation 1 - Pediatric Otolaryngology

The Role of AI and Social Media in Post-Tonsillectomy Support: Insights From Reddit Patient Discussions

Saturday, October 11, 2025
10:24 AM - 10:30 AM EDT
Location: 233-234
Introduction: Social media platforms have become vital resources for patients seeking post-operative guidance. Integration of responses from artificial intelligence (AI), including tools like ChatGPT and search engines, has further transformed how post-operative concerns are addressed. This study examines the frequency of advice-seeking versus advice-giving behaviors, the role of AI-driven responses, and common frustrations with post-tonsillectomy care information.

Methods: Posts and comments referencing tonsillectomy were collected using Python script from subreddits such as r/Tonsillectomy and r/TonsillectomyRecovery from October 2014 to January 2025. Entries discussing emotional support, advice, and shared recovery experiences were extracted. Thematic and sentiment analyses assessed the prevalence and perceived benefits of different types of social support.

Results: Of the 21,848 entries analyzed, 54.2% (11,829) involved users seeking advice, while 32.5% (7,091) were responses providing guidance. Discussions referencing AI-based responses, such as ChatGPT and Google, accounted for 16.8% (3,667) of total entries, with patients frequently using these tools to verify medical recommendations or supplement information from healthcare providers. The most common frustrations included inconsistent post-operative guidance (41.3%), difficulty accessing timely medical advice (37.8%), and conflicting information across different sources (22.5%).

Conclusions: Social media plays a crucial role in post-tonsillectomy peer support, with users seeking advice from others who have undergone similar procedures. AI-provided information is increasingly relied upon to provide supplemental medical guidance, though concerns remain regarding the consistency and reliability of information. Addressing gaps in post-operative education and enhancing AI-driven healthcare tools may improve patient confidence and recovery experiences. Future research should explore the integration of AI with verified medical guidance to optimize post-operative support systems.

    Presenting Author(s)

  • Sean A. Setzen, MD

    PGY1 Otolaryngology Resident
    St. Luke’s University Health Network
    Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, United States

    Disclosure(s):

    faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

    • Co-Author(s)

  • Marcin Marciniak, BS

    Medical Student
    Rosalind Franklin University
    Willow Springs, Illinois, United States

    Disclosure information not submitted.

  • Katie L. Holland, MD

    Resident
    Rush University Medical Center
    Chicago, IL, United States

    Disclosure information not submitted.

  • LF

    Lindsay T. Fleischer, MD

    Resident Physician
    Rush University Medical Center
    Chicago, IL, United States

    Disclosure information not submitted.

  • Anatoli F. Karas, MD

    Assistant Professor
    Rush University Medical Group
    Chicago, IL, United States

    Disclosure information not submitted.

  • MB

    Mihir K. Bhayani, MD

    Mihir K Bhayani
    Rush University Medical Center
    Chicago, Illinois, United States

    Disclosure information not submitted.

    • Senior Author(s)

  • KP

    Krupa Patel, MD

    Rush University Medical Center, United States

    Disclosure information not submitted.