How to Evaluate Health Information on the Internet
Two of the points refer to information dispensed in Health Forums or Chat Rooms.
3. What is the original source of the information on the Web site?
Always pay close attention to where the information on the site comes from. Many health and medical Web sites post information collected from other Web sites or sources. If the person or organization in charge of the site did not write the material, the original source should be clearly identified. Be careful of sites that don't say where the information comes from.
11. Is the information that's discussed in chat rooms accurate?
Assessing the reliability of health information that you come across in Web discussion groups or chat rooms is at least as important as it is for Web sites. Although these groups can sometimes provide good information about specific diseases or disorders, they can also perpetuate misinformation. Most Internet service providers don't verify what is discussed in these groups, and you have no way of knowing the qualifications or credentials of the other people online. Sometimes people use these groups to promote products without letting on that they have a financial stake in the business. It's best to discuss anything you learn from these groups with your health care professional.
http://tinyurl.com/cbtz6ty
3. What is the original source of the information on the Web site?
Always pay close attention to where the information on the site comes from. Many health and medical Web sites post information collected from other Web sites or sources. If the person or organization in charge of the site did not write the material, the original source should be clearly identified. Be careful of sites that don't say where the information comes from.
11. Is the information that's discussed in chat rooms accurate?
Assessing the reliability of health information that you come across in Web discussion groups or chat rooms is at least as important as it is for Web sites. Although these groups can sometimes provide good information about specific diseases or disorders, they can also perpetuate misinformation. Most Internet service providers don't verify what is discussed in these groups, and you have no way of knowing the qualifications or credentials of the other people online. Sometimes people use these groups to promote products without letting on that they have a financial stake in the business. It's best to discuss anything you learn from these groups with your health care professional.
http://tinyurl.com/cbtz6ty
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