Why You Shouldn't Rely on Dr. Google
Here at Suncoast Surgical Associates, we understand the allure of looking up your symptoms on the internet. However, Dr. Google can sometimes get you into more trouble than just talking with your doctor about your concerns. In this blog, we’re going to take a look at a few common questions about “Dr. Google:” should I trust Google as a doctor, why should you not Google medical symptoms, and is Google reliable for a diagnosis?
What Is “Dr. Google?”
So, what is “Dr. Google?” This term refers to the use of a search engine, like Google or BING, to diagnose medical issues for yourself or a loved one. While search engines have some very good uses, diagnoses should be left up to the professionals, and we have some good reasons why.
Is Google Reliable for a Diagnosis?
Google will never be able to see or feel your body for potential issues. Search engines, like Google, rely on two very important and unreliable factors:
- Your symptoms and your ability to describe your symptoms
- The current content on the internet, how well it is written, and how well the search engine can pull the information off of the page
In the last five years or so, there have been significant improvements in the way that medical content is served to search users. For example, BING has content medically authorized by doctors, and you can see which doctors authorized the content. However, those doctors still don’t know you and your current care plan the way your primary care practitioner (PCP) does.
Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Use Google for Diagnoses
- It’s incredibly hard to diagnose an issue without seeing and feeling the patient
- You’re relying on search terms to pull the correct answer out of a hat full of billions of web pages
- Incorrect diagnoses can lead to improper self-treatment and self-harm
- Improper (and even proper) diagnoses can lead to anxiety and high levels of worry that may be completely unwarranted
When Can Google Be Helpful for Ailments?
Search engines do have their uses, but they should not be relied on for a serious diagnosis. In fact, you might get sucked down the rabbit hole and think you have something critical like cancer or a neuromuscular degenerative disease – when all you have is the flu.
Google can be helpful if you need a quick answer to a question that you’re going to take to your doctor. Just don’t make yourself sick with worry over something that’s probably nothing – it’s not good for your mental health!
Who Should I Turn to With Questions?
As you can probably guess, medical questions should always go to a specialist or your PCP. Here at Suncoast Surgical Associates, we have medical experts in many areas – and they care about your sanity, too!
Remember, Dr. Google doesn’t know you as your doctors do. If you have questions about a certain condition or plan of treatment, our team of highly-qualified doctors can help.