Commentary Three: Digital Health

Sarah Giles
Sep 7, 2018 · 2 min read

A media ecology is thought of as kind of digital “ecosystem” that consists of ‘human beings and our technologies’ (Stephens 2014, p. 2027). We can think of it as the online world that’s becoming a place where we conduct many of our daily errands and activities (Broadbent & Papadopoulos 2011). We apply for jobs, pay our bills, do our shopping, and attend classes online. My little sister’s primary school even has an app where newsletters, announcements and event information are uploaded. So, should we be surprised that health care is becoming accessible in this “ecosystem” too?

In a British survey of over 2000 adults, one in two respondents reported seeking health information online (Astrup 2018). At a rate of 47% (Astrup 2018), “Doctor Google” is becoming the first port of call when people are looking for answers. So, it’s important we recognise its limitations: ‘“Reputable websites…produced by clinicians can be incredibly useful, but people need to be cautious as there is a lot of disreputable information available online too”’ (Astrup 2018, p. 98). An important thing to keep in mind is that the information found on the internet is general: not specific to you, your symptoms or your medical history.

Companies like Talkspace offer therapy online. Apps are available for calorie tracking, sleep mapping and meditation training. There are resources, like Bob Schrupp and Brad Heineck’s YouTube channel Physical Therapy Video, that offer free general health advice. But aside from accessing health related services and information, studies have found that use of the internet can benefit a person’s overall feeling of well-being as it connects them with communities that they may not have come across otherwise (Broadbent & Papadopoulos 2011).

It seems the internet has the power to provide people with the independence to seek health information, and community. Although, it’s still very important that you develop a trusting relationship with your GP, outside of the media ecology, who can help you to find clarity in your online discoveries (Astrup 2018).

References

Astrup, J 2018, ‘Doctor Google’, Community Practitioner, vol, 91, no. 1, pp. 98–99

Broadbent, R & Papadopoulos, T 2011, ‘Bridging the digital divide — an Australian story’, Behaviour & Information Technology, vol. 32, no. 1, pp. 1–10

Stephens, N. P. 2014, ‘Toward a More Substantive Media Ecology: Postman’s Metaphor Versus Posthuman Futures’, International Journal of Communication, vol. 8, pp. 2027–2045

Bibliography

Schrupp, B & Heineck, b 2018, Physical Therapy Video, YouTube, viewed 7 September 2018 <https://www.youtube.com/user/physicaltherapyvideo>

2018,Therapy for all, Talkspace, viewed 7 September 2018, <https://www.talkspace.com>