Online Health Information Seeking

The nature of the Internet has brought about a change in the health information landscape. Based on a sequence of nationwide studies conducted by the Pew Internet & American Life Project from 2002 to 2010, it is apparent that about eight in 10 U.S. adult Internet users have consistently gone online to seek out health information. The most common topics that online surfers have looked on the Internet for information include health problems, health remedies, health care professionals, and health facilities. Other studies have also shown that the Internet is often drawn on to garner information before or after consultation with a doctor and to obtain common information such as drug dose. Notably, the Internet has become one of the most trusted health information sources ...