Think Before You Click: Navigating the Digital Health Maze

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When a friend, coworker, or patient says to me, “What really has me worried is…” or “I need help but I’m hesitating because of…,” the phrase that often follows is: “… something I read on the internet.”

We all know that the internet and social media can give instant access to information and support, but when it comes to personal problems and medical advice—particularly during a fertility journey, disease diagnosis, menopause, or other significant life changes—these sources can be misleading and misguided.

Here are some tips and strategies for using the internet with caution.

Instant Information

The best use of online platforms is usually to get verified information about conditions, treatments, and success rates so you can make informed decisions about options recommended by medical or psychological experts.

Unfortunately, the internet is also filled with unverified stats, nonexpert opinions, and misleading information. For example, a study in the Annual Review of Public Health found that much of the fertility information available online is not scientifically validated.¹

To navigate this landscape:

• Avoid promotional websites with “testimonials” and claims of 100 percent effective treatments with no side effects. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
• Add “research” to your search terms and seek peer-reviewed studies or information from professional journals.
• Cross-check information across multiple reputable sources.
• For psychological information, rely on respected websites like the American Psychological Association or the National Institute of Mental Health.
• For health information, consult WebMD, renowned medical institutions like the Mayo Clinic, and government health sites.
• Pay attention to publication dates, especially for rapidly evolving fields. For instance, perimenopause information has expanded significantly as new research emerges.

Support Networks

The good news is that social media groups and online forums can help us find emotional support from those also going through similar situations. When they say, “I understand,” we know they really do understand, especially if your issue is unusual or rare.

For many, support networks are also a way of avoiding possible overreactions or constant questions from family and friends. As a bonus, we can be anonymous, which may help us feel more comfortable and in control.

The bad news is that we may experience comparison stress. We may feel inadequate if we think we are not handling life changes or family-building issues as well as others in the group seem to be, or if our own strategies or treatments are not as successful as theirs seem to be. In fact, some of my patients have told me that being part of an online group has made them even more anxious than they were because other members describe problems they hadn’t even considered.

So, choose your support network carefully, and don’t get caught up in oversharing until you have a good read on the group. You can always share, but you can’t un-share.

Social Media

If you want advice, social media is distributing it—but the advice offered on social platforms can be as reliable as advice from someone you met in the supermarket. And once you click on a keyword, you will automatically be fed more and more of the same type of information. Studies show false news spreads faster on social media than true stories, so we are more likely to see misinformation. Furthermore, research has found that when we see false information multiple times on social media, it becomes a fixed memory and is unlikely to change when new information is presented.³

To prevent this internet trap, think of online information and social media as supplements rather than replacements for professional medical or mental health advice. Label it “interesting,” not “factual,” and always take the next step to investigate further before you let it affect your health or family decisions.

The internet is a wealth of information, but there can be pitfalls. By approaching online health information critically and prioritizing reputable sources, you can harness the internet’s power while avoiding misinformation in your health care journey.