Jane BruxnerThe internet has unleashed huge amounts of information around the world regarding everything from how to cure boredom to how to cure cancer. Websites like myDr have been designed to inform the public of how to diagnose someone and what drugs are appropriate. Susan Leong argues that society needs to be mindful of mediators that can change medical information between source and seeker (Leong, 2011). It is crucial to remember that the internet cannot be trusted especially when health is a factor. Anyone can go on the internet, recognise a few symptoms and jump to the conclusion they have celiac disease. The internet can cause huge amounts of panic to the medically illiterate. We still need doctors to filter information and we have to remember that we don’t all have medical degree’s. This argument correlates with Faith Chantal’s opinion that “the abundance of medical information can be too much for a layman to understand” (Chantal, 2011). Despite this medically the internet can be used positively for prevention. Cyber medical interventions have been proven in a study by Gary Bennet and Russel Glasgow to have effect on people will smoking and bad food habits. They argue that “channels will more widely begin to offer comprehensive evidence-based Internet interventions” if important features such as reach and engagement can be bettered (Bennet, 2011). Furthermore, if doctors can work with their patients and the medical information or misinformation found than surely warped information can be minimised. One must remember that the internet is a wonderful tool, but should never be solely relied upon, especially in health matters.
Bennett, G and Glasgow, E. 2009. The Delivery of Public Health Interventions via the Internet: Actualizing their Potential. In Annual Review of Public Health
Chantal, F. 2011. Are we becoming our own Doctors? Available from: http://faithchantal.wordpress.com/2011/04/09/diy-health-are-we-our-becoming-own-doctors/ (Accessed 11th April, 2011)
Leong, S. (2011). Lecture Notes Week 6: New Media, Health and Well-Being. Available from: http://blackboard.qut.edu.au (Accessed 11th April, 2011)
myDr. 2011. Available from: http://www.mydr.com.au/ (Accessed 11th April, 2011)
