Navigating Conflicting Online Health Information
When you encounter conflicting health information online, use the internet as a collaborative tool with your physician rather than avoiding it entirely—bring your questions and the sources you found to your healthcare provider to discuss together. 1
The Reality of Online Health Information
The internet has become unavoidable for health information, with 72% of US adults searching online for health answers. 1 However, the quality of online health information is demonstrably suboptimal—in systematic reviews, none of the websites evaluated received an "excellent" rating, and only 37-79% were rated as "good" using quality assessment tools. 2 This means completely avoiding online health information is neither realistic nor necessary—the key is learning how to use it properly.
Why Collaboration with Your Physician is Essential
The most effective approach is using the internet collaboratively with your healthcare provider. 1 Meta-analyses demonstrate that online information seeking can:
- Help you become more actively involved in decision-making 1
- Prepare you better for doctor's visits 1
- Improve communication with your healthcare team 1
- Strengthen the patient-doctor relationship 1
Healthcare professionals remain the most trusted source of health information—nurses, doctors, and pharmacists consistently rank highest for honesty and ethical standards, with 84% of people rating nurses' trustworthiness as high or very high. 1 Your physician can help you interpret conflicting information and guide you toward evidence-based conclusions.
Practical Steps When You Find Conflicting Information
1. Prioritize Reputable Sources First
Go directly to trusted institutional websites rather than relying on search engines alone. 1 The quality of information depends heavily on whether you choose:
- High-quality sources: CDC, WHO, FDA, major academic medical centers 1
- Governmental sources: These consistently rate higher in quality than other media sources 2
- HON Code certified websites: Only 18% of health websites meet this certification standard 2
2. Recognize the Pitfalls
Be aware that even well-intentioned searching can lead you astray through confirmation bias—where you selectively find evidence supporting your initial (potentially incorrect) hypothesis. 1 Studies show that 96% of individuals use at least one unaccredited source when searching for health information. 1
Even seemingly credible sites like WebMD can contain misinformation in user comment sections, presenting unverified testimonials that contradict the evidence-based content on the same page. 1
3. Bring Your Findings to Your Healthcare Provider
Most patients (62%) want their physicians to recommend specific websites for learning about their health. 3 However, only 15% of patients expect physicians to ask about their internet searches unprompted. 3 This means:
- Take the initiative: Bring up the conflicting information you found 1
- Share your sources: Let your provider evaluate the quality of what you're reading 4
- Ask for recommendations: Request specific trusted websites for your condition 3
Healthcare professionals can help you distinguish evidence-based information from misleading content, as they have the expertise to separate health myths from facts. 1
Why Not to Completely Avoid Online Health Information
Telling patients to avoid online health information entirely is unrealistic and potentially harmful. 1 The internet has democratized medicine and empowers patients when used correctly. 1 Healthcare professionals themselves use the internet for medical information and generally view patient online searching as beneficial for creating more collaborative relationships. 1
The Bottom Line
Don't avoid online health information—instead, develop critical appraisal skills and partner with your healthcare provider to interpret what you find. 4 The goal is not to eliminate your online searching but to make it more productive and accurate by combining your motivation to learn with your physician's expertise to evaluate the information. 1