Looking online for answers to our health-related questions is something we all do; you feel unwell, you go online and search for advice. Before you know it, you’ve come across a possible ailment that you didn’t even know existed and you start to feel a little worried.
The truth is anyone who is not medically trained can put information online. There is a lot of inaccurate and untrue health news and information out there, and fake news can scare people unnecessarily and even lead to a delay in seeking proper medical attention. Sometimes, people can be persuaded to pay for medical treatments and ‘cures’ over the web that are not medically proven or effective.
A big part of the problem is that fake health news spreads very quickly as it often promises false hope. We have all seen the stories online, claiming that something mundane and every day, could in fact hold the key to curing a disease. Before you know it, these untrue claims have been shared millions of times and everyone is talking about a miracle cure. Social media has helped the speed with which this incorrect information spreads, particularly with the rise of new, communicable diseases which are affecting large populations. It is easier than ever to click, like and share fake news, helping it to spread as quickly as the virus.
So how can you tell if what you are reading is reliable and trustworthy?Ask yourself these questions and you should be able to spot the fakes.
- Is it from a credible source?Most health news online that is fake comes from sources that have no credibility. Always try to find the source of the information – is it coming from an institute you have heard of? Credible sources include global organizations or healthcare institutes you have probably heard of; the World Health Organization, the American Cancer Society, or large well known hospitals or universities. If the information isn’t from a source you have heard of, have they referenced their claims – and are these references credible? Local health stories and information should always be verified by local or global health authorities. In the UAE we are advised to check with the Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization
- How old is the story?News items and stories can hang around on the internet forever. Sometimes its not easy to spot the date that something was published, but it is worth taking the time to find it. Health stories and advancements in medicine can move quickly, so you need to be sure the advice you are reading isn’t out of date.
- Is it really a breakthrough?Healthcare breakthroughs are major events. Any significant developments that you are reading about are likely to dominate many news channels. Check to see if anyone else is reporting the same news. For example, if you are reading about a cancer breakthrough, then has a well-known cancer organization published the same information or commented on the article?
- Is it too good to be true?Be a little skeptical. If something seems too good to be true, then it usually is. This applies to many things in life but is particularly true for miracle health cures. Just because a doctor or a research group are claiming something, doesn’t mean it is true.The internet is an amazing source of information but remember to be cautious when seeking medical advice online. If in doubt, always talk to your doctor first.