Monthly Archives: July 2023

Using Social Media to Self-diagnose

Blog, News,

With social media playing such a large role in people’s lives, it comes as no surprise that when Americans become concerned about their health, they look online for answers. A recent survey from Tebra looked at what platforms people used the most, how accurate their diagnoses were, variations in generational differences and how many of them followed up with a medical professional.

Diagnosis-related medical content on social media has become more widespread over the past few years, filling user feeds with stories of sickness, symptoms, and surprising recoveries. Some of the data searched was from respected sources such as online reference books or created by medical professionals,however, much of it is posted by content creators, influencers, and other random users. The content is so relatable and convincing that some people have begun using social media to self-diagnose.

The Survey

To evaluate and understand the effects of social media self-diagnosing, 1,000 people were surveyed about their experience with medical content across various platforms. Participants were asked how often they came across diagnostic content in their feeds, if they ever self-diagnosed based on it, and what they did after making a diagnosis.

Reported key takeaways were:

  • 1 in 4 people have self-diagnosed based on social media information.
  • 43% of those who self-diagnosed followed up with a medical professional about a disease or illness they discovered on social media.
  • 82% of those who visited a doctor after social media self-diagnosing had their diagnosis confirmed.

Infographic Gallery & Slide Show of Survey Results
(click to view)

The future of medicine?

Social media has become a leading source of information for many people, a role that has extended to the health field. Instead of waiting for appointments and tests, people are turning to their content feeds to learn about symptoms and self-diagnose. While online medical content can be helpful, people should be cautious about self-diagnosing; seeking professional medical advice regarding any major illness, disease, or treatment plan is still crucial. 

Many communities e.g. retirement communities, have a social media community website where residents can ask the community for shopping suggestions or for a recommendation for a service or repair professional. Healthcare is also a prominent feature – it may be a request for a recommendation for a primary care clinician or a specialist. There are even requests about ways to manage an illness or a symptom. or a family member. And more often than not, opinions are plentiful, both positive and negative.

Survey Source: Americans see pros and cons of social media diagnosis content. Tebra. Published June 2, 2023. Accessed July 19, 2023. https://www.tebra.com/blog/social-media-self-diagnosing/

Can Regular Internet Use Help Reduce Dementia Risk in Older Adults?

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According to new research published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society,  there is a link between regular use of the internet and a lower risk of dementia.

In a population-based cohort study researchers followed dementia-free adults aged 50–64.9 for a maximum of 17.1 (median = 7.9) years. The association between time-to-dementia and baseline internet usage was examined. In addition,  the interaction between internet usage and education, race-ethnicity, sex, and generation was assessed. Furthermore, the study looked at whether the risk of dementia varies by the cumulative period of regular internet usage to see if starting or continuing usage in old age modulates subsequent risk. The study also examined the association between the risk of dementia and daily hours of usage.

Results

In 18,154 adults, compared with nonregular internet use, regular internet use at baseline was linked with approximately half the risk of dementia, analysis showed. Researchers reported a cause-specific hazard ratio of 0.57. The difference in dementia risk between participants who did and did not use the internet regularly was consistent regardless of educational attainment, race-ethnicity, sex, and generation.

The study also found that periods of regular use in late adulthood were associated with significantly reduced dementia risk; the cause-specific hazard ratio was 0.80. The finding, researchers wrote, suggests that cognitive health can be modified by changes in internet use, even in late adulthood. The lowest dementia risk, according to the study, was among adults who used the internet between 0.1 and 2 hours a day.

Investigators pointed out that since a person’s online engagement may include a wide range of activities, future research may identify different patterns of internet usage associated with the cognitively healthy lifespan while being mindful of the potential side effects of excessive usage.

Study:
Cho, G, Betensky RA, Chang VW. Internet usage and the prospective risk of dementia: A population-based cohort study. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. First published: 03 May 2023. https://agsjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jgs.18394

APA Blog Addresses The Potential of AI

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A recent blog post from the American Psychiaric Associateion entitled “The Basics of Augmented Intelligence: Some Factors Psychiatrists Need to Know Now” discusses the pros and cons as well as current uses and future potential of AI. The article describes AI and concurs with the AMA’s approach, “Artificial intelligence” is the term commonly used to describe machine-based systems that can perform tasks that otherwise would require human intelligence, including making predictions, recommendations, or decisions.

Following the lead of the American Medical Association, we will use the term “augmented intelligence” when referring to AI. Augmented intelligence is a conceptualization that focuses on AI’s assistive role, emphasizing the fact that AI ought to augment human decision-making rather than replace it. AI should coexist with human intelligence, not supplant it.”

The article describes some of the potential uses of AI within healthcare and noting that AI is believed to have the potential to benefit both clinicians and patients. “However, as with any new technology, opportunities must be weighed against potential risks.”

Important issues to consider include:

  • Effectiveness and Safety
  • Risk of Bias and Discrimination
  • Transparency
  • Protection of Patient Privacy

Resources:

Link to APA Blog Article

American Medical Association. 2019. Augmented intelligence in health care

U.S. Department of State. Artificial Intelligence

Darlene King, M.D.’s, recent Psychiatric News Viewpoint, “ChatGPT Not Yet Ready for Clinical Practice”