Cyberchondria and Reality Medical Shows

There are many different reality television shows that can provide use tips on how to stay in shape. While many of these tips are quite practically and provide audiences with the convenience of skipping a trip to the doctors, not all medical shows are as helpful as they may seem. Shows that are currently airing today include The Dr. Oz Show, Mystery Diagnosis, The Chew, and The Doctors just to name a few. With constant exposure to medical shows people “become more knowledgeable” and “therefore enjoy life less” (“Sick From Medical,” 2011).

Now it has not yet been proven if medical shows have a direct link to cyberchondria, however, this does not mean medical shows aren’t raising health concerns. An article that proves this statement is an article written by Rebecca Eckler called, “My 9-Year-Old Is A Hypochondriac Because I Let Her Watch Too Many Medical Shows.” (Ecker, 2013)  This title speaks for itself and is not a mere coincidence, in fact, it is not surprising a little girl would be influenced in this way considering the influence television can have on children.

While medical show’s can have an influence on children and adolescence, what about medical dramas such as Grey’s Anatomy and E.R? It is safe to say such dramas will also have an effect on the human brain. Likewise, when a viewer sees “characters’ treatments and tragedies it’s enough to pique anyone’s curiosity” (Sisson, 2010). Thus, one can assume that someone’s curiosity could lead to hypochondria or even cyberchondria given they consume these television shows on a daily basis.

Medical shows and even just medical talk shows provide a popular/celebrity aspect to certain diseases and illnesses by providing a larger opportunity base to understand and be aware of some of the most common serious illnesses and diseases that simple signs and symptoms can possibly be a part of shows like doctor OZ and the doctors draw attention to things such as that and make it almost nonchalant to be sick. By providing the most generic outlining of signs and symptoms it allows everyone to relate to the current issue which can become a breeding ground for hypochondriacs and cyberchondriacs, one sign or symptom can unfold a frenzy having people compare and research illnesses they do not even have. An example of a time where talk shows and television shows could’ve become an issue would be when there was a breakout of H1N1 when H1N1 became an issue absolutely everyone thought their common cold symptoms were the beginnings common cold symptoms were the beginning of a more serious current issue.

Eckler, R. (2013, April 25). My 9-Year-Old Is A Hypochondriac Because I Let Her Watch Too Many Medical Shows. Retrieved February 20, 2016, from http://www.mommyish.com/2013/04/25/kids-and-tv-medical-shows/

Sick From Watching Medical Shows? (2011, January 5). Retrieved February 20, 2016, from http://web.uri.edu/quadangles/sick-from-watching-medical-shows/

Sisson, M. (2010, October 15). Medical T.V. Is Bad For Your Health | Mark's Daily Apple. Retrieved February 20, 2016, from http://www.marksdailyapple.com/medical-t-v-is-bad-for-your-health/