People turn to the internet in search of medical information. In some instances, this information can be a reliable and invaluable source of guidance and facts on health problems. However, some of the information on the internet is inaccurate, inconsistent, incredible, and hence, dangerous for an individual’s health. This paper argues that people can endanger themselves by relying too much on the information on the internet.

Some medical information lacks credibility (Cullen 87). Any person, including quacks, can post medical information on the internet. There is no central agency that monitors the credibility of such information. Some individuals post inaccurate information on the net, in their attempts to market their products. The consumers, who do not consider the credentials of the source, utilize the products, endangering their health.

The information on the internet may be outdated. Medical information needs to be updated frequently to reflect the research being done in a particular area. Relying on information on the internet is dangerous because it might have been ruled out by current research (Cullen 90). In addition, the information on the internet is very general and cannot meet the requirements of health treatment, due to the uniqueness of an individual. Since medical care should reflect the unique needs of an individual, it is advisable that one relies on a qualified physician.

In sum, people should treat the medical information on the net with suspicion. This is because, the information may be incredible, outdated and inconsistent, posing a danger to the individual’s health. It is, therefore, dangerous to rely excessively on the information on the internet.

Work Cited

Cullen, Rowena. Health Information on the Internet: A Study of Providers, Quality, and Users.Westport, CT: Greenwood Publishing Group, 2006. Print.