In this modern day and age, there is a wealth of information available on the internet. There aren’t many things we can’t type into the search bar and find out a whole heap of information about. For the most part, this is a great thing. The evolution of the internet has broadened our horizons, improved our access to education, innovated communication and enabled the success of many new and expanding businesses. No matter how much information is available at the click of a mouse however, it’s important that we all remember that not everything presented on the internet is guaranteed as fact.
Just because it appears on the first few pages of the Google doesn’t necessarily mean the information you’re accessing is 100% reliable. This is particularly important to bear in mind when researching any medical conditions you may be worried about online, whether it’s for you personally or somebody you know. Slater Gordon Lawyers recently ran a survey which revealed that 62% of people would rather search for their symptoms online than speak to a medical professional.
While doing this might help alleviate the medical services for minor issues, this isn’t a good idea if and when you or somebody you know is presenting more serious symptoms. Here are a few more reasons why relying on the internet to inform your health isn’t always a good idea:
- Misdiagnosis – you may end up believing you have something more or less serious than you do and end up missing out on necessary treatment.
- Delaying qualified help – relying on the internet when you’re feeling under the weather might mean you’re delaying getting the professional medical advice you could potentially need to get better.
- Dangerous advice – people study to work in the medical industry for many years and there is a reason for this. They are then equipped with the knowledge and experience you need to stay safe, healthy and avoid taking ill-informed advice from non-experts.
Turn to friends and family when times get tough
Whilst it’s not often a good idea to Google your medical symptoms and to seek out a medical expert instead, it is important to open up to your friends and family. If you find yourself experiencing physical or mental symptoms that you are concerned about, talking to loved ones or those closest to you is a much better option that strangers on the internet. Sharing your worries with a familiar face might not heal your ailment but it will go a long way towards alleviating stress.
If you have any of your own advice on how to start a conversation about health, share it on social media using the hashtag #ImTalkingHealth.
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