“‘Will You Walk into My Parlor,’ Said the Spider to the Fly…”: Avoiding Traps When Searching for Information on the Web

Excerpt

Any consumer of the Internet needs to know how to find credible information. The Internet has become an increasingly available and utilized source of information [1], and for many patients, it can provide knowledge, comfort, and empowerment. On the other hand, it can fill them with false hope, persuade them to become noncompliant with treatments, and become a source of emotional and financial encumbrance. Without the skills to determine its validity, the web can fast become a sticky trap like that which the spider uses to snare the fly. The main problem with information on the Internet is that of quality control. With a journal or book, one can be reasonably confident that the material has passed a thorough review process. However, for most journals, a subscription is required, excluding them from most patients. The Internet on the other hand has no such process in place and anyone can post information, provide advice, and sell so-called cures. …