How does the heath information you read online effect you?

Symptoms and the internet.

When we feel isolated, misunderstood, or confused it is more difficult to make sense of symptoms and to know what to do to recover.

The internet can be a good place to find help and share our own experiences without feeling judged. But it can also be confusing.

The stories that grab our attention online often evoke strong emotions, like fear or sadness. There’s a reason for this: bad news spreads quickly, and websites want to keep you interested. We tend to pay more attention to negative stuff.

When we spend a lot of time online, we might forget that not everyone’s experiences are the same. With instant access to so many other people’s stories, we can end up taking on other people’s experiences and trusting our own body less.

Tips for Navigating the Internet with Symptoms:

  • Remember that most people online are not doctors.
  • People with the most serious problems often share their stories, so don’t worry your experience will be just like theirs.
  • Watch out for false information. If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
  • What works for one person might not work for another.
  • Don’t give or take advice that is black/white or sounds extreme. An Example: You HAVE to do this specific thing to get better or you MUST avoid a specific thing.
  • Check who’s giving advice. Are they trying to sell you something?