What do misinformation and disinformation have to do with your health? Did you know that not everything you read, listen to, or watch on the internet is correct?
Ok, so you likely know that, but have you ever stopped to consider the source of the information you’re taking in? Use your best judgement to determine if a website, blog, or social media post is correct. Stop and think about it, then ask questions.
People post just about anything on the internet today. The “internet policeman” aren’t out there fact checking on websites. So be a scientist with me! Let’s be skeptical together!
The information source is the key to the articles or videos you’re getting on the internet. Just remember, whatever you learn impacts the quality of your health care decisions. If you get incorrect information from websites, it may impact your health care negatively by delaying testing or the latest treatment options. When you’re learning about false claims or out-of-date treatments, you can hinder your own healing process.
The Difference is Intention
The information swirling around the internet today takes on a life of its own. Misinformation happens when someone shares a false or misleading idea because they want to feel connected. As the misinformation spreads across social media, blogs, and websites, people share this misinformation but don’t stop to question and check the source for veracity. Instead, they spread false claims or flawed ideas. But understand that misinformation is not disinformation.
Misinformation versus Disinformation
Disinformation occurs when someone maliciously creates a false or misleading idea on purpose. This person purposely creates disinformation to confuse you, to harm you, to take your money, or even gain political influence over you. Spreading this type of information only benefits someone else while hampering your own health.
Information is power. Disinformation is abuse of power.
–Newton Lee
Protect yourself from false claims, and phony medical information. Check out my post on Finding Reliable Health Info. Browse the web with confidence and empower yourself with the best information for your health.
References
- Dyer, Kirsti. “Ethical Challenges of Medicine and Health on the Internet: A Review.” J Med internet Res, Apr-Jun 2001, 3(2): e23.
- Ferguson, Tom. e-patients: how they can help us heal healthcare. The e-Patient Scholars Working Group and Creative Commons. http://www.e-patient.net.
- Nelson, Ramona. “Informatics: Empowering ePatients to Drive Health Care Reform – Part I”. The Online Journal of Issues in Nursing. Sep 2016, Vol. 21, No. 3
- Diaz, Joseph; Griggith, Rebecca; Ng, James; etc., “Patients’ Use of the Internet for Medical Information.” J Gen Intern Med, 2002; 17:180-185.
