Self-diagnosis has its own perils, say experts

Whether it is a throbbing headache, a sudden rash or an irregular heartbeat, an increasing number of people are turning to the internet and not their doctors, for the answers. The trend of self-diagnosing ailments online has seen an unprecedented surge, with millions typing symptoms into search engines before booking an appointment with a physician.

Health experts warn, however, that this growing reliance on online search engines could be doing more harm than good. While online information can help people become more aware of their health, experts caution that it often leads to unnecessary anxiety, misinformation and delayed medical care.

"People come to us already convinced that they have a serious disease, often cancer or a rare neurological condition, just because a website told them so. By the time they reach us, they are anxious, confused and sometimes resistant to professional advice," said Dr Harpreet Singh, a general physician here.

A 2024 study by the Indian Journal of Community Medicine found that nearly 68 per cent of urban internet users admitted to searching their symptoms online before consulting a doctor. The trend is particularly common among younger adults, who are more comfortable with digital tools, but less likely to verify the reliability of the sources they use.

The appeal is easy to understand. With a few taps of the fingers on a phone, one can access thousands of medical websites, forums and videos promising instant clarity. Yet, the algorithms that power search results often prioritise popular content over accurate medical information.

"Search engines cannot diagnose. They cannot understand the context whether your headache is from dehydration or a brain tumour. But when the worst case scenario appears on top of your search results, it can create unnecessary panic," said Dr Bharti Dhawan, Civil Surgeon.

The consequences can be serious. She said that some people self-medicate based on online suggestions, misuse antibiotics or delay in seeing a doctor until conditions worsen. Others, overwhelmed by alarming results, suffer from what psychologists call "cyberchondria", the health anxiety triggered by excessive online health research.

Health experts stated that the solution lies in digital literacy and awareness. "We cannot stop people from searching," said Dr Dhawan, adding that people should at least cross-check

sources, look for credible medical websites, and remember that an online search is not a diagnosis.

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