Cyberchondria
The hypochondriac’s of the cyber world.
All, if not the majority of us, have likely been a victim to the mere threat of online diagnosis, or perhaps- know of someone who is closely linked to the concept of an online hypochondriac- a term we digital boomers call “cyberchondria”.
As perspiration seeps into our palms, its safe to say that whilst many of us are well aware that the internet is not the first (or most trusted) place one goes to officially diagnose their symptoms; the online health engine rather, is a tool used by many to coincide with the same level of fear and hypocrisy that one seeks to level with their own dramatic agenda.
It can be easy to fall into a rabbit hole of illnesses through Dr. Google, with research indicating that approximately “83% of internet users seek health information online” (McCosker, 2015, p.1).
Whilst digital diagnosis can have its downfalls; often triggering individuals to fall into a trap of placebo health defects- on the flip-side, it can contribute positively to online communities, with “a large portion of digital health practices involv[ing] the sharing and curation of health information content (Morehead, et al., 2013).
So what does this entail exactly?
Using digital health communities to assist with health related problems can be beneficial, however only when individuals are able to sift between helpful facts and the downright distorted assumptions- a task which has proven to be more than difficult at times.
Constituting the real from exaggerated or even so, from the ‘false health trolls’ can be challenging, as the online world leaves ambiguity to whom is disseminating health-related information behind the platforms of social media.
Take the Belle Gibson case study for example. The young Australian woman who curated a blog that falsely advocated her curing of terminal brain cancer through dieting.
Belle accumulated thousands of people in support of her page, only to be discovered that she was a fraud- damaging loyal followers beyond their online presence, who were suffering from this real life condition.
Although attention seeking behaviour through online spaces has shown to be a driving factor for detrimental online behaviour, social media has allowed for positive influences when it comes to the digital health age.
Aside from digital diagnosis having its downfalls, it can act as a uniting force, bringing individuals together who share similar illnesses and experiences to positively tackle health related issues.
More than ever before, are people experiencing rare and “unheard” of conditions, able to come together on a virtual space to discuss tips, tricks and experiences regarding these once isolating health issues.