Hey Dr. Google - How to Avoid Misinformation
After our doctor appointments, we all hop on Google. So let’s talk about it.
Hey Substack Family,
I’m not a medical professional, but I tried to play one on TV a lot. Above is an old headshot. For those who only know me from my Substack, I’m also an actor.
These days I’m playing the patient most. One thing patients typically do, we google. I google a ton about my diagnosis, my treatment, and to help me ask questions.
But how do we sift through the maze that is the internet?? Let’s dig in.
Tips to Avoid Fake Medical News
At an exam recently, I told my doctor flat out, “I’ll be googling this to learn more.”
If doctors think patients aren’t researching conditions online, they are living in denial. It’s natural and often useful to research a bit to seek clarity, community, and more information.
I mentioned in my viral article that I openly google and search for great resources as part of my approach to healthcare. It helps me ask good questions to understand my disease and treatment options.
But it’s also widely known that misinformation runs rampant online. I’d love AI to work on this and not on screenplays. With the rise of fake news, it can be hard to distinguish fact from fiction. Sometimes junk can look quite sophisticated.
So how can we help discern what’s real and what’s really dangerous?
Consider the source, especially on social media. Sometimes there are mistakes and sometimes people are profiting from discord. Maybe it’s a lovely friend or community member who just isn’t informed… and sometimes, it’s an entity trying to create a following or fortune out of misinformation. Not all MD’s are trustworthy, by the way. Like these docs who are among the 12 people responsible for most of the misinformation around COVID-19 vaccines. And guess what, they are trying to sell us supplements. They have a financial interest in patients avoiding COVID-19 vaccines in lieu of what they have to sell. Be skeptical, especially when the information eventually leads to you giving money.
Media literacy should be taught in sixth grade, but it’s never too late to learn more. Some great resources here. Also here’s a great article from USA TODAY.
To me, it’s important to ask myself, what outlets have journalistic integrity? Like, do they triangulate sources and fact check. Can we find other credible outlets sharing the same info? It’s a red flag if you can’t find the information elsewhere.
Look for transparency. Does the site offer to show us who runs it? Can we parse out the editorial philosophy? Not all slick websites offer balanced information.
Is it trying to scare me? This is always a red flag. If the language is too sensationalized, we’re likely being manipulated.
Does it offer a cure? Always be wary of cures.
Look at the study’s details and sample size. Media outlets love a buzzy clickbait headline, but make sure the study with a headline they are hoping you’ll click on is actually worth your time and worry. One small study isn’t always enough to prove anything. The data must be replicated.
Even vetted places make mistakes or are misled. For example, the sugar industry successfully hid their dangers for years by bribing Harvard to say fat was more dangerous. So I get it can be so hard to know who to trust.
Always be skeptical, but also know there are a lot of sites working hard to be trustworthy.
MedlinePlus is a government service that posts vetted articles from the National Library of Medicine run by the NIH: https://www.medlineplus.gov/
And as an extra measure of precaution, only use online resources as research, and not for decision-making alone. Use it to ask questions. Take those questions to your doctor. Together you can discuss the info and make careful, thoughtful decisions as a team.
Also, doctors could try to circumvent issues, by recommending resources. This is kind of revolutionary, but for the doctors reading this, let’s cut misinformation off at the pass. Tell patients where to go and sources you find helpful and trustworthy.
All of this can be crazy-making, I know. But we’re in it together.
What sources do you really like that feel vetted and trustworthy? And as always, fact check me too! If you think I’ve said anything in error, drop a comment.
DON’T MISS:
If you’re new here and wondering, “what happened to this lady?” read:
I started writing this when I was on dialysis. It’s intended to be both memoir and a practical tool to help folks who might be going through something similar or those caregivers and family supporting someone with a challenging diagnosis. NOTE: This is not intended to replace actual medical guidance. Please consult your doctors on your individual challenges and situations. Please talk to your clinicians before adjusting any of your care protocols. Also names have been changed for most of my medical staff.
Thank you to Roy Lenn and Dr. Richard Burwick for your founding level donation.
Yes! Media literacy is so important! Thank you for all the helpful tips on how to navigate researching a diagnosis.