The importance of theory in nursing cannot be underestimated since the profession requires a sound

theoretical base and strong methodology to evolve an evidence-informed body of knowledge. Wacker
(1998) provided three reasons why theory is important for any profession and research: (a) it provides a
framework for analysis, (b) it provides an efficient method for field development, and (c) it provides a
clear explanation for the pragmatic world. However, researchers continue to debate the definition of
what constitutes a theory (Harlow, 2009; Henderikus, 2007). Many researchers and theorists use
typologies and classification systems to describe types of theories in the context of purpose, functions,
boundaries, and goals (Gay & Weaver, 2011).

Social media and the internet have fundamentally transformed how we communicate and interact
(Bosslet, Torke, Hickman, Terry & Helft, 2011; Chou & Hunt 2009; Hawn, 2009; Powell & Darvell, 2003).
Virtually, all of the world’s knowledge and experiences are available at any time with just a click of the
mouse. Information is easily accessible and free to anyone with a computer, and communication across
continents is as easy as e-mailing someone next door.

As the Internet expanded into our homes, there was a growing expectation of free and open access to
information (Bosslet et al, 2011). Since information was easily accessible on so many sites, there
developed an expectation that all information should be free and reliable.

Social media are broadly defined as the use of platforms of electronic communication through which
users create online communities (Chou & Hunt, 2009). Social media use is common: 74% of Internet
users spend time on social networking sites, with 71% of online adults using Facebook and 23% using
Twitter. Women currently outpace men in social media use, with a recent survey finding 74% of women
were users of social media compared with 62% of men (Social Networking Fact Sheet, Pew Research
Center, 2015).

Social media have also become an integral tool for medical societies, professional groups, and advocacy
groups. These groups are using social media to engage, teach, and connect, and they play an important
role in providing accurate, vetted health information. Additionally, organizations have realized that
encouraging live-tweeting or blogging of conferences provides opportunities for wide dissemination of
content that far surpasses in-person attendance (Carroll, Bruno, Bosslet & Ramachandran, 2015).

The influence of social media on professional practice will vary depending on the user and the context of
his or her practice. There are also concerns about the effect of social media use on professional and
organizational credibility, the potential distribution of unreliable information through social media
technologies, and the commitment to maintain professional standards while using these technologies.
Thus, the Theory of Social Media Interaction was formulated.