Health questions and concerns? No appointment needed, just internet access
Can we trust the internet to advise us on our personal health and well-being? Or furthermore should we?
Current trends show an increase in online health-related material, particularly focusing on Generation Y. This suggests a ‘generational shift towards a web-savvy; health-oriented youth.’ (Lewis, 2006. 530).
The internet is already quite controversial in terms of the content that is generated by the public. Since the beginning of social networking via the internet, such websites are made available for anyone to produce and publish information. Lee (2011) states that people turn to search engines for answers to health problems. However, its accuracy is questionable.
When considering accessibility, online content is ideal in the new media era we live in. We are all seen as ‘the empowered self-managing consumer’ (Lewis, 2006. 533), and therefore can access ‘ any kind of health-related information on the web, from commercially driven material and personal health websites to various ‘alternative’ approaches to medicine.’ (Lewis, 2006. 534).
Whilst considering accessibility; is it appropriate for youth to engage in technology, particularly online channels for help rather than seeking professional advice and talking to a real person?
With accuracy being a main issue; sorting through these outlets to find factual information is challenging. It raises questions and concerns as mass communication evolves and individuals engage with new media.
Reference List:
Lewis, T. 2006. Seeking health information on the internet: lifestyle choice or bad attack of cyberchondria? In Media, Culture & Society, volume 28, issue 4: 521-539. Accessed April 10, 2011. http://mcs.sagepub.com.ezp01.library.qut.edu.au/content/28/4/521.full.pdf+html
Lee, Faith. 2011. “DIY Health. Are we becoming our own doctors?”. Faithchantal’s Blog- Everything and anything. April 9, 2011. Accessed April 10, 2011. http://faithchantal.wordpress.com/2011/04/09/diy-health-are-we-our-becoming-own-doctors/
“Whilst considering accessibility; is it appropriate for youth to engage in technology, particularly online channels for help rather than seeking professional advice and talking to a real person?”
Yes, though my agreement stops at ‘rather’. I’ve made a point on my most recent entry that using technology to search for answers should be used in addition to seeking professional rather than in place of. As Lewis mentioned in the case study, many of the young adults considered researching lifestyle as part of their health, and once I realised the amount of material this could cover, the popularity of “Medicine 2.0″ kind of clicked with me a bit better. Take queer youths for example; it can take a lot of courage to admit to someone that you’re gay, but the transition can be made a lot easier if you’ve spent a bit of time finding the right words on an Internet forum or Livejournal community group beforehand.
^ Your post entirely inspired that train of thought. Thanks for the read!