To Trust or Not to Trust Dr. Google?

Over the last couple of years, with pandemics and vaccines at the forefront of the media, we have all asked the question: what sources can we trust? Who can we trust concerning our health and medical decisions?

Most of us, including myself, probably look to the internet. Just this morning, I woke up with a swollen, red eye, and the first thing I did was Google my symptoms. According to a report by The Telegraph, there are over 1 billion Google searches per day concerning health-related content. That’s a lot of people trusting Google to give them the answers. But how many of us know how to decipher if what we are reading is a trustworthy source or not?

Social media, news outlets, and even politicians have blurred the lines of reliable sources when it comes to making health-related choices for ourselves and our loved ones. Nowadays, it is more important than ever to know how to make an informed and educated decision. As a registered nurse, I have learned a lot over the years about trustworthy sources in the medical world. With all of the information that exists at our fingertips, it is fundamental to know how to differentiate between what is trustworthy and what is not. 

What is a Trustworthy Source?

Let’s start with sources we can trust. As I said, most of us are quick to use Google as an initial tool to find answers to our questions. Google is not the enemy– it can give us great sources– but we have to know how to cipher through the bad to find the good. If you find yourself researching and come across an article, the University of Washington Library suggests using a SMART check. A SMART check asks:

• Source: Who or what is the source? What are their credentials?
• Motive: Why do they say what they do?
• Authority: Who wrote the story? What is their reputation or mission?
• Review: Is there anything included that jumps out as potentially untrue?
• Two-Source Test: How does it compare to another source?

If you can answer these questions with answers that support a credible source, then you’ve most likely found yourself a trustworthy article. Examples of trustworthy sources in the medical field include the National Institute of Health, MedlinePlus, Center for Disease Control and Prevention, medical institutions (universities or hospitals), and peer-reviewed journals. Commonly used, WebMD is also a reliable source and provides great resources. However, it is important to note that even WebMD states on every page of its website, “WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.”

It is important to remember that no Google search, published article, or WebMD post can replace seeing your primary care provider. They are our formally trained experts. Even if they do not have the answer to your question, they have access to and knowledge of credible research and resources.

What Sources NOT to Trust?

Now that you know how to find a trustworthy source, there should be red flags associated with articles or posts that cannot pass a SMART check. The NIH recently posted an article about what to ask before trusting a website. They said to be wary of websites that offer “quick and easy solutions” or “miracle cures” for your health problems. Sources that are not credible may include authors with no credentials or expertise in the field, posts that do not have linked supporting sources, blog posts that are sharing opinions rather than facts, and out-of-date publications. 

Do not be quick to believe the first thing that shows up on a Google search or a sensationalized post made by a social media influencer. If you read something that sparks your curiosity, double and triple-check it with credible sources and research. 

It’s Your Choice

Asking questions is one of the most powerful tools we have. When we know how to find informed and educated answers to our questions, we help stop the spread of misinformation. Controversial health topics will inevitably remain a part of our everyday news consumption, but it is important to be equipped to decipher what is true and what is not true. As we have learned, sometimes it takes quite a bit of digging before we know if a source is trustworthy or not. Ultimately, it is your choice what you consume and believe, but keep researching, asking questions, and not believing everything you read.

References

Dr. Google will see you now: Search giant wants to cash in on your medical queries

How do I know if my sources are credible/reliable?

National Institutes of Health

MedlinePlus

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

WebMD

NIH: Online Health Information: Is It Reliable?