Today’s digital landscape offers a wealth of convenient health information.

But not all online sources are trustworthy, and this can lead to bad health outcomes, whether you’re suffering from a common cold or in need of advanced treatment. Of course, you should never rely solely on the internet instead of a qualified healthcare professional.

But even simply learning more about a health condition or its outcome requires an ability to differentiate between misinformation and credible sources.

Internet dangers

The amount of health-related content on the internet makes discerning its reliability quite daunting. Some of it may be misleading while other sources share entirely false information. This poses a significant risk to people who are looking to put their symptoms in context, potentially leading to mistaken self-diagnosis, undue anxiety and even inappropriate treatment. Depending on non-verified sources has even led to the postponement of vital medical care, a potentially deadly mistake. Unfounded claims have never been more rapidly propagated, as conspiracy theories, unproven remedies and utter misdiagnoses from rogue websites are shared to a global audience on social media.

Identifying sources

Consider the source when determining the reliability of any health information. Medical professionals and academic institutions are regarded as reliable authorities. Websites associated with hospitals, universities or healthcare providers frequently present articles authored or reviewed by qualified doctors, researchers and specialists. Look for information that references studies published in respected medical publications, such as the New England Journal of Medicine. Reputable health organizations, peer-reviewed journals and government websites have generally been dependable places to find health information.

Evaluating information

Verify the author’s qualifications. Are they a licensed healthcare professional or a recognized expert in their field? Exercise caution with any website, video or podcast that doesn’t provide transparent information about the author or speaker — particularly if they fail to clearly define their qualifications. Be mindful of the tone and language used. Trustworthy sources base their content on facts and evidence rather than sensationalism. Check the dates, too, since science is ever-evolving.