In a well-organized, well-supported paragraph of at least 200 words, 1. Roger Collier, in "Containing Health Myths in the Age of Viral Misinformation" (2018), argues that much of the health information shared on the internet is inaccurate and potentially dangerous. Do you agree or disagree? Refer briefly but specifically to the article to support your argument.

 

I agree in Roger Collier's argument that health information shared in the internet is inaccurate and potentially dangerous. One important domain in which the Internet plays an increasing role is health information access. Disseminating health and medical information on the Internet can improve knowledge transfer from health professionals to the population. However, dangers in using technology to acquire health information is imminent. Patients will get false and less credible information that could cause danger not only in their lives, but the lives of the whole community. 

Information retrieval is easier now than ever before, and it is not surprising that people are self diagnosing through Internet before going to a trusted physician. One more factor why people choose to believe in myths is the stigma in medical science - especially in vaccines - that it would only worsen their condition. There's a reason why doctors go through years of training, to have clinical experience. Medical websites accessible anytime would only lead patients to diagnose and treat their own conditions. Furthermore, websites disseminating false medical information or misleading consumers into purchasing cannot be controlled. If the internet is the problem, then the internet is also the solution. According to Collier, one new approach that has shown promise is contacting social media influencers and asking them to share useful medical content with their followers. These influencers are transparent about their lives which caused their followers to trust their contents. Local government units and medical professionals should also help to spread awareness and correct information to the public. 

Although the Internet gives us free and fast answers on our concern, it doesn't necessarily mean that we should depend on it. The internet is full of frauds, giving false information just for their own gain. If we cannot decipher which information is credible or not, it's better to go to your trusted doctor. It's never too late to change your perspective, value your health as you value your life.