By Mutalib Jibril
Have you ever felt a sudden twinge in your back, experienced a sharp pain in your chest, or noticed unusual fatigue? Did you rush to your favorite search engine to find out what might be wrong? You could be a patient of “Dr. Google.” Despite good intentions, your search can quickly become a tangled mess of confusion.
Technology has made nearly everything easier and more convenient, giving us access to a wealth of information at our fingertips. This convenience extends to the health sector as well.
A research review suggested that 90% of people in the United States have used the internet to search for health information, and also revealed that 1 in 3 adults have gone online to try and diagnose a medical condition.
Googling your symptoms makes you believe you have a serious or even deadly health condition. When this happens, it’s known as cyberchondria. This term is used for an individual who develops extreme, unwarranted anxiety by using the internet to search for medical information.
For instance, you’re experiencing a persistent cough. Almost instinctively, you grab your phone and search ” persistent cough is a symptom of ….” In an instant, you’re bombarded with a range of potential causes, such as allergies, asthma, tuberculosis, pneumonia, whooping cough, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Now you’re not only coughing but also feeling overwhelmed and anxious. Turning to Google to diagnose what is wrong with you can lead to fear and anxiety because Google won’t provide specific information about your health.
Online resources can be beneficial but are often confusing, alarming, and filled with inaccurate information most times. Google does not know your medical history, current medications, or other personal details crucial for an accurate diagnosis. One of the biggest risks of self-online diagnosis is that it may deter you from seeking the professional help you need.
When your car breaks down, you don’t just Google the problem to find out why it happened. Searching online may provide numerous reasons, but it won’t pinpoint the exact issue. Instead, you consult a mechanic who has the expertise to identify and fix the issue.
Similarly, when you’re experiencing health problems, it’s more effective to see a Medical Doctor rather than relying on search engines.
When your smartphone starts acting up, you wouldn’t just rely on online searches to troubleshoot the issue. Instead, you’d visit a tech specialist who can fix the problem. Why, then, are you Googling your health problem?? These two examples illustrate why seeking expertise is always the best approach.
Medical Doctors undergo years of medical training that fully equip them with the precision to diagnose and treat a wide range of medical conditions that Google simply cannot match.