Sometimes people opt for determining their diagnosis based on the symptoms, using the information they seek online in spite of arranging doctor’s appointments for proper health analysis. Unfortunately, society might be easily disinformed, considering that the quality of media data on web pages is not always assured. As a result, it is vital to check information only on the verified websites of health organizations and logically evaluate the reliability of web pages based on their characteristics.
To begin with, people should realize that even though information seeking online is more convenient than spending time on hospital appointments, they do not always include reliable data. Still, Boon-itt (2019) concludes that users can find more than 70 thousand health-related websites nowadays. Most web pages are created by anonymous users or writers who simply combine all data they find online without checking its truthfulness and reliability. Therefore, people should consider using the online platforms established by verified health institutions and organizations that include only accurate information regarding health (Battineni et al., 2020). In addition, well-designed websites are more likely to be reliable and not mislead online users concerning health topics, “information is more relevant, readable, and effective at improving medical knowledge” (Boon-itt, 2019, p. 4). By and whole, online users should be attentive and cautious when seeking health-related information online.
To sum up, it can be claimed that a wide range of choices when it comes to choosing health-related websites leads people to be misinformed. In other words, not all web pages include reliable data, and, therefore, they mislead numerous individuals who opt for identifying their diagnosis using the internet. As a result, people should focus on the authors of the online platforms to estimate their reliability, considering that health institutions are more likely to base their articles on research and scientific evidence.
References
Battineni, G., Baldoni, S., Chintalapudi, N., Sagaro, G. G., Pallotta, G., Nittari, G., & Amenta, F. (2020). Factors affecting the quality and reliability of online health information. Digital Health, 6. Web.
Boon-itt, S. (2019). Quality of health websites and their influence on perceived usefulness, trust and intention to use: An analysis from Thailand. Journal of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, 8(1).Web.