In the digital age, access to information on health issues has never been easier. However, this abundance of information has also given rise to a worrying phenomenon: misinformation and errors that spread rapidly, especially on social media.

From miracle cures to dangerous advice, users are often faced with incorrect information that can put their health at risk because it is not supported by scientific evidence.

Although there is useful information online, errors also abound, and searching the Internet to interpret symptoms can be risky. This practice, in addition to generating concern, leads to another problem: self-medication, which can worsen health conditions.

Almost all of us perform internet searches related to health topics. This in itself is not negative, but if we enter into a cycle of insatiable and obsessive searches that, far from calming us, increase our anxiety, we will be generating a problem, cyberchondria, which refers to the tendency of some people to compulsively search for information about health symptoms on the Internet and, as a result, convince themselves that they suffer from a serious illness.

This behavior can lead to anxiety, stress - especially due to the diversity of opinions on the Internet - and in some cases, to erroneous self-diagnosis.

What are the causes of cyberchondria?

• Anxiety and fear of having a disease
• Ease of accessing information.
• Confirmation bias
• Hypochondria

Influencers, with their great reach and power of persuasion, play a crucial role in the spread of misinformation

Although some share useful information based on evidence, others, without adequate training, can spread myths and unverified remedies that are harmful.

With thousands or even millions of followers, their recommendations can change behaviors and decisions quickly and effectively.

One example is the promotion of unproven treatments for COVID-19 during the pandemic, which led to confusion and potentially dangerous practices among the public. Another example is the proliferation of extreme diets or dietary supplements without scientific support, which can cause harm to health.

Similarly, advanced technological tools such as language models, including artificial intelligence chatbots like ChatGPT, can sometimes generate incorrect or incomplete answers if not handled properly.

And although it can provide accurate information, it is always advisable to validate critical data, especially in medical or scientific matters, by directly consulting professionals or primary sources.

In response to this growing concern, Prevenclic has emerged, an initiative designed to offer accurate and reliable medical information, based on scientific evidence and reviewed by health professionals.

A group of doctors and nurses from different specialties - from the city of Albacete, Spain - have created 'Prevenclic', whose mission is to improve the health of the population, sharing messages about health education and disease prevention. A new project which is taking its first steps and which aims to fight against the misinformation generated by 'false' health influencers on this type of digital platforms.

The renowned Merck Manual is also a widely used medical source that has versions for both physicians and the general public. The first edition of the manual, originally known as Merck's Manual of the Materia Medica, was published in 1899. This publication was intended as a compact medical guide and has evolved over the years to include detailed information on diagnoses, treatments, and other medical issues.

Currently, there are two main versions of the manual: the Merck Manual for Health Professionals and the Merck Manual for the General Public, adapting the content according to the needs and knowledge levels of each audience. The Manuals, which can be downloaded for free and in digital format from their website or from apps on cell phones, are the product of a collaboration between hundreds of medical experts around the world, an independent editorial board of peer reviewers, and professional medical writers.

In a world where misinformation can have serious consequences, these types of initiatives are more necessary than ever to protect public health and ensure that medical decisions are based on real and reliable data.