These days, if you’ve got a medical concern, health problem, or a question on diet, exercise or better nutrition, the internet is right there ready to give you answers, information and advice for free. Only last week, when discovering a friend of a friend had developed shingles, I was immediately searching Google, seeking information of it’s symptoms, severity, and if it was contagious (medicinenet.com 2011). This method of using a general search engine, has become the most popular starting point for general health information (Laurent et al, 2009).
However, as Warner 2011 notes, ‘with the constant posting of illegitimate content (Hamelink 2006), being connected and having the facility and ability to easily search is not always beneficial. With this in mind, Leong reminds us, that the internet is not a solution to medical treatment, but is changing the process for us; giving us a place to start for information, so as to be more informed when speaking to a doctor or seeking further medical advice.
This ease of information without the cost of a Doctors bill, the ability ask questions and to self diagnose, is further informing us and individualizing health and well being (Lewis 2006), but should not be relied upon as the final word… if pain persists… please consult your real Doctor.
References:
Hamelink, C. (2006). “The Ethics of the Internet: Can we cope with Lies and Deceit on the Net?” In Ideologies of the Internet, K. Sarikakis & Daya Thussu, pp. 115-130. New Jersey: Hampton Press.
Laurent. R, Michaël & J. Vickers, Tim. 2009. “Seeking Health Information Online: Does Wikipedia Matter?” American Medical Informatics Association. 16 (4): 471–479. Accessed April 11, 2011. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2705249/.
Leong, Susan. “KWB206 New Media: Internet, Self and Beyond: Week 6 Lecture Slides: Health and Well Being”. Accessed April 11, 2011. http://blackboard.qut.edu.au/
Lewis, T. (2006) Seeking health information on the internet: lifestyle choice or bad attack of cyberchondria? Media, Culture and Society, 28(4), 521-539.
medicinenet.com, “Shingles” Last accessed April 11 2011, http://www.medicinenet.com/shingles/article.htm
Warner, Daniel. 2011. “Sick New Media” April 11. Accessed April 11. http://kcb206danielwarner.tumblr.com/
