Cyberchondria is a term that has emerged in recent years to describe an increasingly common phenomenon in contemporary society. This concept refers to the tendency of people to compulsively search for disease symptoms on the Internet, which can lead to misdiagnosis and high levels of anxiety.
The age of information and health
We live in an era in which information is at our fingertips at all times. The Internet has become an inexhaustible source of knowledge, and this includes information about health and diseases. The ease with which we can access web pages, discussion forums and social networks where medical experiences and symptoms are shared has made many people turn to the Internet in search of answers about their health status.
The origin of cyberchondria
The term cyberchondria arises from the union of two words: "cyber" (related to computing and technology) and "chondría" (from the Greek "kondros " which means cartilage, referring to the human body). This term was coined by Dr. Ryen Whiley in 1998 to describe the behavior of some people who, after consulting medical information on the Internet, developed excessive concern about their health and tended to interpret any symptoms they experienced in an alarming way.
Cyberchondria should not be confused with the simple act of seeking information about a specific disease out of curiosity or personal interest. Someone is considered to have cyberchondria when searching for symptoms on the Internet becomes an obsession that interferes with their daily life and generates disproportionate anxiety.
The relationship between cyberchondria and searching for symptoms on the Internet
Cyberchondria is closely related to people's tendency to search for symptoms on the Internet. This practice, known as "Dr. Google", has become increasingly common in today's society. In the presence of physical or emotional discomfort, many people turn to online search engines to investigate possible causes and diagnoses.
The danger of self-medication and self-diagnosis
One of the main risks of cyberchondria is that it can lead to self-medication and erroneous self-diagnosis. When accessing medical information online, people may misinterpret the symptoms they experience and reach incorrect conclusions about their health status. This can result in taking inappropriate medications or choosing not to see a health professional when necessary.
In addition, searching for symptoms on the Internet can lead to what is known as " nocebo effect", which consists of experiencing negative symptoms or worsening health conditions due to the belief of being sick. The mind plays a fundamental role in the perception of pain and illness, so the anxiety generated by information found on the Internet can manifest itself physically and exacerbate symptoms.
Why do people turn to Internet looking for symptoms?
There are several reasons why people may feel the need to search for symptoms on the Internet. Some of the most common include:
1. Lack of adequate medical information
In some cases, people turn to the Internet because they feel that they have not received a satisfactory explanation from health professionals about their symptoms or diagnosis. Lack of time in medical consultations or the perception that the problem has not been delved into sufficiently can lead to searching for answers online.
2. Curiosity and desire to understand
Human curiosity is a powerful engine that drives people to seek knowledge and understanding. In the presence of unknown symptoms or physical discomfort, it is natural that some individuals want to investigate on their own to understand what is happening to them.
3. Feeling of control
Searching for symptoms on the Internet can give some people a feeling of control over their health. By informing and educating themselves about possible diseases or medical conditions, they believe they are taking proactive measures to prevent a health problem or detect it early.
How to manage the tendency towards cyberchondria?
If you suspect that you are developing cyberchondriac behaviors or that searching for symptoms on the Internet is creating anxiety or discomfort in your life, it is important to take steps to manage this tendency. Some strategies that may be helpful include:
1. Limit time on the Internet
Set time limits for searching for symptoms online and avoid falling into the temptation of constantly consulting medical information on the Internet. Dedicate time to other activities that you find pleasurable and that help you disconnect from the anxiety generated by cyberchondria.
2. Consult a health professional
Instead of self-diagnosing yourself based on information found on the Internet, it is essential that you see a doctor or specialist to receive a proper evaluation of your symptoms. A health professional will be able to provide you with an accurate diagnosis and recommend the appropriate treatment, avoiding self-medication and unnecessary stress.
3. Learning to discern information
Not all medical information circulating on the Internet is accurate or reliable. It is important to learn to discern between reliable and truthful sources and those that may be based on rumors or unfounded beliefs. Consulting websites of recognized medical institutions or specialized health portals can help you obtain accurate and updated information.
Conclusion
Cyberchondria is a phenomenon that has proliferated in the digital age, driven because of the accessibility of online information and the ease with which we can search for symptoms and medical diagnoses on the Internet. Although it is natural to feel curious or concerned about our health, it is important to maintain a balance and not fall into obsession with searching for symptoms on the Internet.
Managing the tendency towards cyberchondria involves learning to use the information responsibly, consult health professionals when necessary, and set limits on our exposure to online medical content. By doing so, we can avoid the anxiety and unnecessary stress that can arise from self-diagnosis and misinterpretation of symptoms.