Have you ever wondered if you have cyberchondria? Well, if you are unsure there are many ways to find out. Down below is an explanation of the various signs cyberchondriacs experience throughout their daily lives. If you’re still unsure whether or not you have cyberchondria, try taking the cyberchondria quiz to find out for yourself. Now let’s get into it.
People who have cyberchondria tend to Google their symptoms right away. However, not only do they Google their symptoms but they are very thorough with their research. Margaret Reveley suggests that people will "go back to these sites again" just in case they've "miss anything" (Reveley, 2014). In addition, cyberchondriacs look up multiple sites until they find an explanation for their symptoms. Unfortunately, cyberchondriacs feel even worse once they look up their symptoms online. The more they spend time browsing the web, the more they are convinced they have the disease. Cyberchondriacs also "assume that the first result is the most plausible explanation" (Schupak, 2014).
In today’s society cyberchondria is more common than ever. With access to the web it is inevitable to escape cyberchondria. Likewise, if someone looks up symptoms for a migraine or cold it does not mean they have cyberchondria. The web can be a useful tool when searching up methods to help relieve a cold or reduce migraine pains. Cyberchondria is way more obsessive and extends passed researching information about the common cold. In essence, cyberchondria is an illness of the human psyche that affects not only the person holding the disease but the people around them.
The question remains as to whether or not cyberchondria is all that bad? It is possible to argue obsessive research over health concerns can potentially save someone’s life. To find this one out must look at the cons and pros regarding this disease.
Reveley, M. (2014). Am I a cyberchondriac? BC Medical Journal, 56(9), 450-451.
Schupak, A. (2014, August 9). 15 Signs You're a Cyberchondriac. Retrieved February 18, 2016,
'Worried well' just feel worse if they catch cyberchondria. (n.d.). Retrieved February 18, 2016,
10 Signs You Have Cyberchondria. (2013). Retrieved February 18, 2016, from
http://www.wdish.com/health/10-signs-you-have-cyberchondria
Have you ever wondered if you have cyberchondria? Well, if you are unsure there are many ways to find out. Down below is an explanation of the various signs cyberchondriacs experience throughout their daily lives. If you’re still unsure whether or not you have cyberchondria, try taking the cyberchondria quiz to find out for yourself. Now let’s get into it.
People who have cyberchondria tend to Google their symptoms right away. However, not only do they Google their symptoms but they are very thorough with their research. Margaret Reveley suggests that people will "go back to these sites again" just in case they've "miss anything" (Reveley, 2014). In addition, cyberchondriacs look up multiple sites until they find an explanation for their symptoms. Unfortunately, cyberchondriacs feel even worse once they look up their symptoms online. The more they spend time browsing the web, the more they are convinced they have the disease. Cyberchondriacs also "assume that the first result is the most plausible explanation" (Schupak, 2014).
Even the smallest symptoms can make cyberchondriacs freak. Cyberchondriacs are so swayed by the internet that they believe they have a rare or uncommon disease. They trust the internet so much they'll even bypass a trip to the doctors. To make matters worse if they do visit the doctor’s office, often times they’ll waste paper by printing off sheets of research to show the doctor. It’s as if they believe the doctors are clueless when in reality are trained professionals with years of experience.
At first instinct cyberchondriacs will "ask Facebook friends about fevers, rashes, and other symptoms" they are experiencing (“10 Signs,” 2013). When searching up symptoms for a common cold, cyberchondriacs will focus on symptoms unrelated to their illness. In server cases, cyberchondriacs will even suffer from panic attacks when researching illnesses. Cyberchondria can be so bad to the point where people neglect the important things in life because they are overly concerned with their health. For example rather than spending time with loved ones cyberchondriacs are so concerned about their health, that they’ll spend hours on the web until they find answers to their problem.
In today’s society cyberchondria is more common than ever. With access to the web it is inevitable to escape cyberchondria. Likewise, if someone looks up symptoms for a migraine or cold it does not mean they have cyberchondria. The web can be a useful tool when searching up methods to help relieve a cold or reduce migraine pains. Cyberchondria is way more obsessive and extends passed researching information about the common cold. In essence, cyberchondria is an illness of the human psyche that affects not only the person holding the disease but the people around them.
The question remains as to whether or not cyberchondria is all that bad? It is possible to argue obsessive research over health concerns can potentially save someone’s life. To find this one out must look at the cons and pros regarding this disease.
Reveley, M. (2014). Am I a cyberchondriac? BC Medical Journal, 56(9), 450-451.
Schupak, A. (2014, August 9). 15 Signs You're a Cyberchondriac. Retrieved February 18, 2016,
from https://www.yahoo.com/health/15-signs-youre-a-cyberchondriac-93782514533.html
'Worried well' just feel worse if they catch cyberchondria. (n.d.). Retrieved February 18, 2016,
from http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/health/news/10365458/Worried-well-just-feel-worse-if-they-catch-cyberchondria.html
10 Signs You Have Cyberchondria. (2013). Retrieved February 18, 2016, from
http://www.wdish.com/health/10-signs-you-have-cyberchondria
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