Internet Reliability
Internet Health Information
Health Information Gateway or Health Hazard…Your Choice!
Responsible consumers consider these items and others:
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“The Internet is not and never should be a substitute for the doctor-patient relationship,” according to Dr. Edward Brooks, Medical Director of the Mayo Clinic web site.1
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When performing on-line searches, you may or may not be accessing reliable information. Consider these examples:
Many college students are required to post their research, projects, and conclusions on-line. These assignments may or may not be considered complete or verifiable.
Many companies and individuals place their “infomercials” on the Internet.2
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When searching for on-line health information, consider your source. In doing this, ask yourself the following questions. (The same questions you ask yourself when looking for printed research material)
Who is the author or sponsor of the information?
Is the information/site current?
What is the overall purpose of the site?
Who is the intended audience/recipient?
Is the information verifiable?
Are you still unsure? Check out this Virginia Tech Library site regarding evaluating Internet resources. At the bottom of this page you will find their "Interactive Module" for evaluating Internet resources.
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Track your sources not just the URL. The web changes continually. Links are frequently moved to new servers or addresses. If you find an item that interests you, either print it or save it. It may be gone tomorrow. (Again, consider your source)
Try these links to on-campus resources for searching the Internet responsibly and effectively.
Analyzing the Sources You Have Found
Bibliography on Evaluating Internet Resources
1 stated in a Knight Ridder/Tribune article reprinted by the Roanoke Times on Sunday, July 25, 1999
2 Topic searches on web Information placed conspicuously to direct you to purchase their product
