Article:
More People Using 'Dr. Google' for Health Advice
Have you ever turned to Google to try to understand symptoms you were feeling?
If so, you're not alone.
Research has found that an increasing number of people are using "Dr. Google" for information on medical problems, injuries and more.
According to Eurostat, more than half of European Union (EU) citizens said they turned to the internet for health advice in 2021.
In all of Europe, Finland had the highest percentage, with 80% of people saying they had looked for medical advice online. This was an increase of 22 percentage points since 2011.
The Netherlands was not far behind Finland at 77%, while Cyprus reported the biggest increase in the EU, rising from 28% to 74% between 2011 and 2021.
While the internet may be useful for getting quick information about symptoms, some believe it can do more harm than good.
A 2020 study by Edith Cowan University looked at the accuracy of symptom-checking apps and websites, where users are asked to list their symptoms and are then given a list of possible diagnoses.
The results showed that online checks were only accurate 36% of the time. Advice about when and where to go for medical care was also only accurate 49% of the time.
Lead author Michella Hill warned that these websites don't know your medical history and other symptoms — and the sites are often not regulated.
However, she added that while "Dr. Google" should not replace a visit to your real doctor, the internet can be helpful for finding more information after you get a diagnosis.
Questions:
What do you think of this article?
Have you ever turned to Google for health advice?
Aside from health advice, what information do you often research with Google? or have you researched something with Google recently?
Do you think Dr. Google reliable? Why do you think so?
Who do you think is reliable person around you?
Speaking of health issues, did you spend money for something like sports goods or health goods, recently?
Have you ever been to hospital or visited to a doctor recently?
Do you care or worry about something on your health recently?
Do you usually go to the doctor immediately when you start feeling unwell?