With the widespread availability of online information, the majority of individuals now rely on the internet as a primary source rather than seeking professional advice in person. Medicine is a prime example of a field where this trend has become normal. While there are a few reasons behind this tendency, such as more affordable and time-saving elements, in my view, this is a change for the worse.
The situation where people turn to the internet when it comes to medical information instead of paying a visit to a doctor can be attributed to two primary reasons, the first being affordability. People nowadays have access to medical information through the internet at a reasonable cost, eliminating the need for a costly doctor’s visit. This is particularly the most optimal way of heeding medical advice for those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. The time-consuming aspect is another reason in this case. With people becoming increasingly busier with their work and/or studies than ever before, visiting a doctor can be inconvenient since not everybody might add a doctor’s visit to their hectic schedules. Considering these factors, many find obtaining medical information online to be a more attractive option.
However, I am of the opinion that this shift in people’s behavior is mostly negative. Indeed, a person’s well-being should be a top priority over other considerations, and one should not put their valuable health at risk by solely trusting in what they find on the internet. A seemingly minor medical condition, for instance, can actually be a sign of more serious illnesses, and thus, depending on online information and not getting one’s health condition diagnosed by a professional can result in more severe consequences. Such online resources might also be difficult to understand. Despite its accessibility, most people misuse it, which means that seeking further medical assistance from an expert is a must as it can provide a better understanding of how to apply this advice effectively. From these perspectives, this development is mainly disadvantageous.
In conclusion, although many prefer online medical advice over consulting a doctor because this is more cost-effective and saves time, a complete reliance on such information is not a good idea for the reasons mentioned above. I, therefore, believe that medical personnel are still essential!