A federal body in charge of funding medical research is holding a 90-minute “interactive workshop” on how to create TikTok videos.

Instagram and TikTok for #SciComm is being led by influencer and neurologist Dr. Samantha Yammine who is also known as “Science Sam” online. The event is hosted by the Canadian Institutes for Health Research (CIHR). 

The free event is being advertised to health researchers at Canadian post-secondary institutions on Feb. 7, 2023. 

“This is an introductory workshop ideal for beginners to video, and will focus on easy-to-produce short videos popularized by Instagram Reels and Tik Tok,” the CIHR wrote. 

“Instagram and Tik Tok are the most popular social media platforms used by youth and young adults, and among the fastest growing across all age groups. With their explore-heavy newsfeeds, when used strategically they can be one of the fastest ways to reach massive audiences outside your typical echo chamber.” 

Yammine has used her platform to vocally defend vaccine and mask mandates in Ontario. 

In March, she called the Ontario government’s decision to lift remaining pandemic measures “presumptuous.” 

“I’m concerned about the inequity of lifting mask mandates while things are still not stable. Just like small businesses deserved support when they were forced to close, people left vulnerable by these policies deserve support if they’re being forced to take on higher risks,” she wrote on Twitter. 

“And FYI, individual actions alone are not enough in a public health crisis. But I’ll be continuing to wear a mask in indoor public settings where there’s no eating/drinking because I’d rather save my risk budget for scenarios where it’s more meaningful to not wear a mask.” 

At the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, Health Canada paid social media influencers to support marketing campaigns. 

“A digital influencer marketing program will support the overall social marketing campaign (on specific health and safety issues) which could include experiential events, advertising and other outreach tactics,” Health Canada explained in Mar. 2021.

“Digital influencers are defined as people who have built a reputation for their knowledge and expertise on a specific topic. They make regular posts about that topic on their preferred social media channels and generate large followings of enthusiastic, engaged people who pay close attention to their views.”

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