Reply to comment

 For most Americans, online medical websites are a supplemental resource, not a replacement, for physicians. However, as we discussed in class, using a medical website to “the extreme”, is, of course, a problem. (Ex: diagnose yourself in your own home, without professional tests, and buy “treatment” through the internet)…

All new technology introduces advantages and disadvantages in to society. In this case, the benefits of the technology outweigh the negatives. As I mentioned in class, I think medical websites are a fantastic resource for the educated youth. Some personal issues, such as questions about sexually transmitted diseases, sexuality, drug use, or abortion may be very difficult topics for people to discuss with a physician. A person may feel more comfortable exploring these topics in the privacy of their own homes. It’s safer (for everyone’s sake) that the knowledge is at least accessible to all. Hopefully, if he or she needs help physically treating a problem, and not only learning about a problem, they do eventually see a physician, but this is at least a step in the right direction.

Furthermore, in a sense, medical websites encourage us to think in-depth. Instead of a doctor laying out the facts, we get to play doctor - we collect and synthesize information, rule out what seems erroneous, and work through the puzzle to determine the cause. Are medical websites teaching us to think critically?

 Internet knowledge is power - as long as it’s questioned and taken with a grain of salt - just like any other resource we use for our education.