Health Apps in the High Tech Age
Recently, the Huffington Post did an article discussing the rise in popularity in the use of health-related apps for smart phones and tablets. I think this article is a good read for anyone who uses or plans on using these type of apps since many times they deal with personal information; moreover, I know that I have friends and family members who--far too often--take every "fact" given by the "news" or online as the gospel truth. (Oh, the joys of those who self-diagnose using WebMD!)
If I teach my students anything in their science classes, I hope to bestow a degree of pragmatism or at least a healthy dose of skepticism when it comes to data and facts. Be sure to check into the voracity of those who are giving the information. Who are they? Are there any conflicts or personal agendas? Check into the background of the authors of the website or see if the app is really trying to steer you towards buying or investing in a certain product or products. It is far too easy, given the anonymity of the high tech age, to be taken in by the metaphorical snake oil salesman.
For the complete, relatively short article on the Huffington Post, please click on the following link. They make several good points.
For the complete, relatively short article on the Huffington Post, please click on the following link. They make several good points.
This is very true in a world were technology is growing we have become reliant on it for everything. You can go on and download all these health based apps. Because you think well its a health app it must be true what there telling me but that's not case. If you don't do the research you could have somebody who doesn't have the proper education telling you what to do with your body. That's scary to me because you might think your getting good information but its really just coming from an average Joe that did little research. You put the risk of harming yourself or not getting results. So like anything its important to do this research when picking an app. Its like buying a car your going to put a lot of work in before you just show up and buy a car. You should be even more involved in this because this is about your health. So its smart to fact check these app before jumping in blindly.
ReplyDeleteThis brings up an interesting point, and relates to a similar discussion regarding DNA sequencing. The National Human Genome Research Institute shows how the cost of this has plummeted: http://www.genome.gov/sequencingcosts/. We have made great advancements in sequencing DNA, and it's quite possible to have your DNA sequenced and your genetic chances for diseases determined, a process which can provide both valuable information and fuel for fears about diseases one may be 'destined' to suffer(http://www.theguardian.com/science/2013/jun/08/genome-sequenced). This health-app revolution seems like it can be the same way. However- not all app-related health programs are bad. Several medical companies are working on developing diagnostic tools that can be connected to cell phones to enable cheaper, faster detection of different diseases- something that could especially benefit poor countries (http://www.technologyreview.com/news/418892/3-microscope-plugs-into-cell-phones/, http://research.microsoft.com/en-us/collaboration/focus/health/smartphone_clinical_diagnosis.aspx). Similarly, researchers Anderson, Qui, Whittaker, and Lucas developed a method that could allow cell phone users with asthma to track the activity of their disease by recording the sounds of their own breathing (http://www.cs.berkeley.edu/~jfc/healthtech/lecs/lec6/CellPhoneAsthma.pdf). Finally, the ability to gather huge amounts of data through use of cell phones also offers opportunity to doctors and medical researchers, who can use the data to determine patterns of disease spread (http://www.technologyreview.com/view/519041/how-cell-phones-are-transforming-health-care-in-africa/). Cell phones, just like any other technology in medicine, offer the opportunity both for awesome accomplishments and horrifying misuse (imagine getting your personalized health app information hacked, or being misdiagnosed by your phone with a devastating illness). Proceeding carefully, considerately, and communicatively with the public is the best way to try and maximize the former outcome while minimizing the latter.
ReplyDeleteI believe this to be very prevalent in today's world. Our generation is becoming less and less in touch with the outside world because of the device we hold in our hands; smartphones. Our smartphones overwhelm our lives more than we realize, and in a bad way. In this, we tend to download anything and everything without really checking into it. Sure this is fine if it is a game, but if we are using the app as a tool for our health, it is horrible to jump in blindly. The average person will not do research on an app which is necessary in apps that relay information about your health, because anybody could make an app; the creator could hardly know anything about medicine. Therefore, I think we need to be more careful about what we use our apps for.
ReplyDeleteMany people tend to like and believe in data that is consistent, unless of course the inconsistency is a better answer than they got before; personal weight on an imbalanced scale for example. I have used RunKeeper and MapMyRun, two different running apps on my phone, and one said I burned about 500 calories after a run and the other said 200 after the same run. Inconsistent. I am not saying these apps are bad, in fact I like them very much, and of course there are other things to take into consideration as well when it comes to running. I will be honest, I have not researched the app much at all. In this case I know those two are very popular, but then again, does that mean it is reliable? Maybe, but I cannot know unless I look for myself. But the idea is, we as people can easily hear what we want to hear, and it could be good or bad. I am certain there are many people who fall into the trap of researching possible conditions or disease for their symptoms and an app can freely give every answer on the spectrum. So affirming only what has already been said, there must be care and yes, skepticism when it comes to choosing the things we allow to influence us. It is not appropriate to diagnose one's self or someone else with any condition or disease by merely using an app. Consult a medical professional, a cough could be as simple as a cold, there is no need for all that anxiety and fear anyways.
ReplyDeleteThe biggest thing is that the majority of these health apps are not required approval from the FDA. It is a good idea to encourage doing research on these health apps yourself before putting your trust into them just as you would do research on a doctor before choosing them. Self-diagnosing is not for everyone, and the ones who trust WebMD as a good source for diagnosis are probably the same people who trust the camera light and speakers on their cell phones to take accurate vitals. In the end, if you are sick, go see a real doctor and not an app that was probably made from the same company that brought you Candy Crush.
ReplyDeleteAs we continue to progress into an age where we are increasingly connected to other people and "stuff", it is pretty convenient to have an app on your phone or tablet. I myself have a Nike app that I use but it's only for the purpose of figuring out what type of workout I want to do. With that being said, I have been somewhat skeptical of using the Health App only because I have no way of determining the accuracy.
ReplyDeleteThat's where most people start running into the problem. They will download a fitness app or go on WebMD and whatever they find is the "good as gold". I believe that this is the wrong mentality because there is very little way to go back and see who uploaded the information or was the creator of the app. When it comes to self-diagnosing, there has to be a certain amount of skepticism that has to be taken into account when looking online.
Best case scenario: please see your doctor before the condition gets worse, but don't become a hypochondriac that goes to the doctor every time you have a cough.
It is highly evident that technology heavily impacts the day and age that we live in. Every day there is a new and "better" app coming out that can help make our lives more convenient. With all this information at our fingertips, many people in this generation find it difficult to conduct the necessary research. Instead, we trust that the research has already been done and just go with it. We must keep in mind that just because the information is out there for us to obtain, does not guarantee its accuracy. This is potentailly harmful because one may become so invested in one of these health apps that will not benefit or advance their health in any way,shape, or manner. Even now, more people are satisfied with looking up their symptoms and possible treatment instead of going to a health professional. I would advise that people begin to get into more of a habit to conduct the proper research necessary to advance their health.
ReplyDeleteCurrently, my nephew is in middle school and I'm teaching him how to use scholarly articles. Honestly, wish I learned how to apply those articles when I was his age. The reason being is because I would have learned more, and I would not have been using inaccurate information. If these apps aren't derived from an science-base organization then this information is most likely inaccurate. I do not understand why society thinks that these particular apps will help them.. In all honesty, these apps in the long run won't even help them.. I feel as these apps would be another distraction. A distraction from sleep, from giving individuals are full attention, and distracts us from doing our daily activities ( such as homework). Due to these apps becoming a distraction, these apps will not become beneficial for us.
ReplyDeleteAt first glance, this seems as if it should be a "duh" article; however, with the society we live in, this is much need advice. How many hypochondriac have you heard say they have cancer or an incurable disease because they looked up their symptoms online?! People are so gullible and they are looking for answers. These health apps are here to give them a solution. But all too often, there is an ulterior motive with a "get rich quick" scheme. I appreciate the wisdom of this article and the steps that were given to check the reliability of a source. As science students, skepticism should be a hallmark when we are doing research. Let's be smart and actually followed the disclaimer "consult your doctor."
ReplyDeleteIt was very interesting to see the number of health apps that are not actually approved by the FDA. If only about 100 of the 100,000 are approved, we should definitely follow the guidelines outlined in the rest of this article. After all, this is our health so it is not something we want to play around with. Looking at a companies' motives for creating an app might be one of the best ways to determine if the app is legitimate. It seems like many of the for profit health apps are directly connected to large companies and advertisers. Finally, I never even thought about the privacy side of health apps. I always assumed that the information couldn't be used for anything malicious, but it really could be used against us by hackers and the like. I will definitely be more cautious of the apps and even the websites that I use that are related to health.
ReplyDeleteIts amazing to me how the saying "There's an app for that." actually holds so much truth in this day and age. It seems like I can search the most random things in the app store and guess what, there is in fact an app for that. This is especially true in the area of personal health and wellness apps. Being an athlete I am constantly looking for an app to help me stay on the right track. So yes I have fallen prey to these ulterior motive apps that claim to be what they are not. What I have discovered is that when it comes to health and wellness knowledge, you really can not beat the real thing. This goes to say that some apps out there are in fact extremely helpful and useful. For example, I use a daily workout app called "Crossfit" and it is very useful in providing me with great exercises that keep me in shape and healthy. But that seems to be the extent of effectiveness that these wellness apps offer in my opinion. Since we live in a world where anyone, and I mean anyone can create their own app. It is vital that we remember that not everyone is in this business is in it for the right reason. As the article said "Consumers are expected to download mobile healthcare and medical apps over 142 million times in 2016." This means that anyone and everyone that can make money in that area will take advantage of it. So just remember that it pays to double check where you are getting your information.
ReplyDeleteThis is so true! I have found that a lot of my family members use health apps that are not as accurate as they claim to be. Even though reading the terms of use and privacy statements might be very annoying it is important to know what you are agreeing on, specially when it come down to your personal information. Research is such an amazing tool we have to verify information and most people take it for granted. It is never enough to stay just with the information an app provides you, checking your sources is very important. Some apps can bring minimal risks to a person life but other apps can make a huge difference in your health if they do not operate correctly. Technology has its perks but it also is something you must be very careful with. We must be wise with the decisions we make by downloading apps.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree that we need to skeptical about every data and fact we get from most of these health apps. It is high time we understood that the fact that an app is available does not mean it is reliable. Before obtaining any information from any of these apps or downloading it at all, a thorough research needs to be done on the producer of the app and on the medical background of the maker. If the app is produced by a large company organization, there is every tendency that most of the information or fact they offer will be influenced by their motive to persuade you to buy more of their products. Also, if the medical or research background of the maker is questionable, then it is advisable you discard every information you got from the app.
ReplyDeleteBeing a science undergraduate, I have begun to learn that not everyone or everything is reliable, no matter how good it sounds…but I have not really attributed that train of thought towards technological apps. This article brings an extremely relevant issue. To put one’s health choices at the mercy of an app that has likely been developed to provide a fruitful income to someone may not be the smartest idea. I have fallen victim of downloading such apps including a calorie counting app (which did not last long on my phone); an app that keeps track of the distance I have walked, jogged, ran, biked, etc.; and an app where I can keep track of how much water I drank each day. As a matter of fact, there is an app called “Charity Miles” where one logs a walking/running distance and a sponsor will donate an amount of money to your chosen organization dependent on the distance traveled. In the end, I guess it depends on how reliable the app makers are, what they profit from the app, and how potentially useful the app could be.
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ReplyDeleteThis is actually a pretty interesting concept. I know what first pops into mind is individuals using these apps too readily to diagnose themselves with something worse than what they actually possess. However, I believe the opposite can also be true, if it ever became possible to enter your vital signs and symptoms into an app for a on demand diagnosis I can see many individuals simply writing off a annual check up with their physician in favor of their “Dr. Siri”.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with the advice given. We often tend to take claims in science as irrefutable laws and we don't think to argue with 'scientists', because who are we do doubt them, right?
ReplyDeleteIn the 19th century, Ernst Haeckel pioneered a study on embryonic development. His illustrations supported Darwin's evolution theory; ontogeny recapitulates phylogeny. This theory suggested that all organisms replayed the development of its ancestry. It portrayed the first stages of the embryos of different organisms as very similar to each other, therefore suggesting a universal ancestor. Later in August 1997, Richardson published a study that showed Haeckel fudged his drawings to make the earlier stages look alike. Even though this error was spotted and Haeckel admitted to it, he never published the correction of his work. Until this day, Haeckel's illustrations can still be found in textbooks available to the general public and regarded as 'valid' scientific information.
This is only one example of the many frauds found in science. Another quick example of this is the latest study published claiming that vaccination caused autism in children, later to be discovered it was a fraud. Until today, society is still suffering the consequences of such misleading claim.
So, as the advice given above, I believe it is only appropriate for us as scientists-to-be to question and prove to ourselves whatever is presented to us as facts or common information without substantial proves.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16892945
The thought has never crossed my mind that a health app could actually be beneficial. I mean seriously it's an app not a doctor. It didn't go through the proper schooling and earn a degree. However, it is nice to know that there are some health apps that have been approved by the FDA. I'm sure those apps would actually be helpful. Hopefully the tips given in the article on finding the best health app will aid others in their search for a good and reliable health app.
ReplyDeleteThis is an extremely relatable topic. I have been notorious for downloading apps all the time and then deleting them a day later. I have a few health apps and I have never researched them. I always do research when I am about to buy something, I just never thought about researching my apps because they are free. However a lot of people can't be trusted with your personal information, so I suppose I've never looked at it with that perspective before. Reading this article definitely encourages me to do research on health apps before I download them.
ReplyDeleteThe article was an interesting read. However, being someone who downloads and uses apps often I know that investigating every contributor of the app, or even thoroughly reading the Terms & Conditions of every app is certainly not realistic. There are VERY few people who actually do what the article suggests, read and investigate. It is very unlikely that someone would. If someone is using an app it's most likely to save time in some form, not to spend MORE time researching the authors and circulating through sources. I do believe it is important to be wise with deciding what apps to purchase and what kind of information to provide; however, attempting to analyze every contributor for every app downloaded seems highly impractical. Although, I do appreciate the read and its encouragement to be wise with the health apps we download.
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ReplyDeleteThis article gave some good information to take into consideration when downloading a health app. I personally use runtastic, and didn't even think twice about downloading the app. It was listed first, and was free. This app tracks how much you run by using GPS. A lot of other running apps do this same thing. There are so many things that people could do with this information if allowed to access it. Now that I have read this article, I will be more careful about downloading just any free app
ReplyDeleteVery interesting article. Though not necessarily with phone apps, I have had the thought of modern day snake oils about other health gimmicks. I remember when the "health bracelets" were the in thing a few years ago, "supposedly" "scientifically" proved to help your balance and overall feeling because of some secret magnet thing inside. Or these new body wraps? Supposed to help slim down the tummy without slimming down on the Big Macs.
ReplyDeleteIn all seriousness, I had never given much thought to health apps except in the case of WebMDs and things of that nature. I never considered mental health apps, like Luminosity type apps, to be "snake oil." At the same time, it is good to see that Luminosity is one of the few apps that truly is scientifically proven to help brain function.
I knew there was a reason I downloaded it... Now only if I actually used it.
Oh and one more thing- just for the record we all know that a kelp diet will in fact make you live forever! ...Right?
With the hundreds of thousands of health apps in circulation on the apple store and google store, no wonder several of them are untrustworthy. In addition to the ones that may be reliable, only 100 in the 100,000+ apps are regulated by the FDA. Therefore, it's crucial that people chose apps that are actually beneficial. I've used apps like Nike Running, but that's been about the limit to what I'm familiar with. Although we live in a "quick fix" culture, it's integral that people accurately assess applications that are truly scientifically backed. There are without a doubt several gimmicks and false information out there. The article above provides three basic guidelines to determine whether or not an application can be of service. I think an assessment like that is warranted before investing so much time and energy in something like a faulty application. Thanks for the share!
ReplyDeleteI'm already out-of-date and behind in the advance electronics age. I just got my first smart phone over the summer and I still do not know how everything on it works. I did not even know what an app was for a while. Among many of the reasons that I choose not to be apart of this updated electronic community was a reason that could be explained using this article.
ReplyDeleteNow that I have decided to use this opportunity in a good way and to maximize the "positive"/ "good" potential of this resource I have already thought about what this article says and instructs. Even so, there were just a few new tid-bits that were beneficial for me.
Besides that, I am VERY glad that someone cares enough to give their time and energy to this matter, and not only for themselves but also to others by informing them or perhaps introducing the idea to them.
Another thought I had was, I would assume that most (if not all) of my peers right now are not in the "market" of financially profiting from the various sources of electronic resources. But I wonder, years from now when that option potentially arises, how many of them will remember being on the other end of this and looking at the profiting end as the "bad" guy? How will they respond? Simply deny the "opportunity" and move on? Share with others about the "faultiness" that they now know about? Pursue "justice" for the entity "committing" the "injustice" act? Or accept the offer for varying reasons, some perhaps justifiable in their minds, or for other reasons purely out of selfish ambition? Or how many people will be apart of one of these services and will not even be aware of it (for various reasons, perhaps they did not thoroughly educate themselves on a decision/commitment that they made, or just that somehow they were deceived or misled)?
Thank you for spreading the knowledge and educating more people on the matter.
It is definitely difficult to know for sure what on the internet is true verses what is made up. I must admit I've been a victim of Web-MD a time or two as well. It's important to find reliable sources when researching anything on the internet, especially health related topics. I haven't thought of downloading an app for such health reasons but if there was a reliable one I wouldn't be against it. This weekend I burnt my hand and my roommates quickly found some interesting home remedies on google that seemed like they may work in a time of desperation. Needless to say they were not long term fixes. I am however thankful for people who put trustworthy and helpful information up. Thanks for the post!
ReplyDeleteThis article really opened my eyes to precautionary measures that should be taken before downloading something as simple as an app. Honestly I normally search for an app related to what I am looking for and download the first one I see because it normally has around 5 stars and is the most popular. Just because it is the most popular doesn't mean it is the most reliable. I would have never thought about researching an app before downloading it however, it is a smart idea especially with a health app. When we are looking for a new doctor we always research and ask around to see if he/she is reliable and has great knowledge so it should be a given that we would research a health app before downloading it and trusting the information. Considering we are also giving away personal information it would be best to research the source and make sure it is trustworthy and reliable. Overall this article was very informative!
ReplyDeleteIn this day and age, technology runs a lot of the world. Not only that, put people generally want to believe that what others are putting out in apps or online articles is true. Especially when it comes to health and wellness. A lot of people want to know the quick fix because it is the easiest way. Or they want to know exactly what is wrong with them without having to see a doctor (WebMD). Like with anything we read, it is extremely important to try and find the same information in more than one place. By finding more articles that say or spread the same information allows the reader to draw their own conclusion as to whether it is true or false. Reading up on health and wellness or knowing what app is reliable is like grading an informative paper. The sources have to be check for reliability and credibility for that matter. Most health pages and articles have some other source that the information was gathered from or someone like the FDA that gives it credibility. If the app or article doesn't then it is probably not the best place to gather health insight from. I think the hardest thing for people now is not immediately believing everything that they read. They also don't have the time or patience to read deeper into what is provided to them. Don't get me wrong, there are a lot of great resources for health and wellness information all over technology, computers, and apps. However, not all is always going to be 100% true, or 100% true for that specific person reading it. For someone like myself who loves to read about all different types of foods and exercises that effect the body in different ways, its kinda important to look for validity in these types of situations. I think this blog and the article gave great insight and perspective as to what is happening to society and how people need to be aware of the false advertising that seem to often capture their attention.
ReplyDeleteThis article is very informative and helpful. Being weary of the information presented is so important. With the digital age we now live in, information is easily published and quickly shared with others. This information oftentimes is not backed up with scientific articles. Sometimes the information is not even fact, but instead the opinion of the author. Unfortunately most people are quick to accept anything that they hear without doing their research to find out if it is true or not.
ReplyDeleteDuke University is know for doing great things. Many pf the students and professors research tough topics. I am very excited to know that research has been done on DNA that reveals genetic disorders or mess ups. This will benefit the science community by allowing the doctors to identify and eliminate the errors.
ReplyDeleteIn general, I don’t like to use health applications because they require so much personal data. I also find that these very convenient apps make us lazier. Accurate data can be found in many sources, if a person has the self-discipline to take care of their health on their own.
ReplyDeleteAs the article states, it doesn’t take much to get around the regulations set in place already by the FDA. While I am certainly not implying that more regulations are needed, I am an advocate for more people to do their homework. As we all know, anyone can put whatever they want on the Internet, and applications are not much different. This being said, there are many health apps that can be very useful. It’s important though to be selective and check the reliability of whatever you’re using. A reasonable level of skepticism is healthy in all aspects of life.
Personally, I am an Apple user. When the iPhone came out, their sales marketing was always how "There's an App for that." There are Apps for everything now. My mother is constantly calling me because she is so excited she just found this "cool new App" that does this or that. Whether it be a game, an app for shopping, or even a health app, people love the new technology. When I think about new health apps coming out, I think there can be multiple reasons behind why it was created. I think they are helpful with being so easily accessable for all people with smartphones. However, with this, people do need to be aware of where that information is coming from. Medically, people usually take WebMD a little too far and can freak themselves out over nothing. Also, if this great new app tells you that you should do X treatment, then maybe their reasoning for the app is a marketing position. I think no matter what, everyone should still do their own research on any information they find online, and back it with multiple credible resources. With a lot of the younger generation buying apps, that's where is can be dangerous. They read one thing and believe it.
ReplyDeleteI think it's easy to believe things shown to us through technology without really researching it for ourselves, which is where it can get dangerous. I personally do not like to use health apps because I look too far into it and before you know it my cold is some rare disease. Your best best I think is to read what it tells you, but do the research for yourself as well.
ReplyDeleteThe article exemplifies the desire of the current generation to have valuable information that is easily accessible. Personally, I have used a variety of apps that emphasize the importance of health or provide a means of supporting one in his or her journey in trying to become a healthier individual. There are apps that my crossfit box has used in order for the clients to record workouts, apps to journal the amount and type of food I have eaten that my coach monitors, and applications that even provide a reminder to go on a run when some sort of logarithm implemented into an app does not have a recording of me running recently. Although the applications are helpful and can provide guidelines for some in monitoring health, I question the efficiency and longevity of the use of these applications. I would be interested in seeing the average time a user actually uses the application or how long the application continues to take up storage before the user feels it right to remove the application. Many of the apps do require personal information beyond the typical name, email, and birthdate requirements typically encountered. I have not thought about where that information has the capability of going and who has the potential of seeing it.
ReplyDeleteThe technological generation have found so many simple ways to "improve" their health and its no surprise that more and more keep surfacing given the overwhelming response to any "quick-fix" or fool proof diet. Needless to say, the majority of them actually do not work and are merely a ploy to get uneducated consumers to purchase products that provide no legitimate health benefits even though they claim to. This article made some very good points, most emphasizing that the consumer take the time to research where the information and advice is coming from. While this should be practiced in all areas of life, it is especially useful when it comes to your health. Furthermore, protect your personal information. This generation likes to live as if there is no harm in placing your entire life on the internet, but it is vital that you are very frugal about where and what personal information you put out there.
ReplyDeleteIn this day and age, people want things quick and easy. People are so busy trying to fit everything in one day that they believe the quicker the better. They do not want to waste any time. This is where technology and apps come into play. In a few seconds, people can grab their cell phones and look up anything they want and take it as truth. Creators of apps use this for their advantage. They can put anything in their apps, and many people will not even question if it is right. If the app looks "cool," people will get it, and the creators will make money. This article warns us not to take for truth everything these apps say. In fact, most of these health apps are not even regulated to see if the information is correct. However, there are some really good ones out there. We just have to do our research to find them. I do believe health apps are a great way to get information to people, but they need to be backed by scientific evidence.
ReplyDeletePersonally, I think that these health apps don't thrive solely because of this "generation's desire for the quick and easy life", but also as a result of the current healthcare systems worldwide. In developed countries, healthcare might be stellar and high tech, but it is also extremely expensive and people who don't have insurance could lose an arm and a leg trying to get a diagnosis or treatment. On the other hand, in developing countries, efficient healthcare is so scarce and mobile apps so widespread and accessible that it just seems like the more reasonable route to take. With that in mind, I can understand why people turn to these apps for advice.
ReplyDeleteI also cannot say that I am completely without guilt either. Because I can't count how many times I have asked Google..."why does my head ache when I haven't eaten" or "Could I be feeling feverish and nauseous because I'm getting the flu?".
I am not saying these apps are necessarily good, but they are not necessarily bad either. Truthfully, everything should be done in moderation, and in this case especially, wisdom should be applied to that moderation. Over the years we have been taught to filter out Wikipedia and dot com sources from our academic writing. This is not to say that everything that comes from those sources is bad or inaccurate, but we all know that they are at best stepping stones or directional guides for the rest of our research. In the same way, I think we should learn to use discretion in what we glean from these health apps, and possibly perfect our ability to pick out the diamonds from the coal.
It is becoming easier and easier to have information at the tips of our fingers. Consequently, so many areas of life are quick and easy to figure out. Unlike something simple, like directions, medicine should not be quickly figured out. It it fine to have apps that help guide people in whether or not they have a common cold or need to see a physician. However, app creators are feeding into people's love of quick information and making plenty of money doing it. It is concerning though because many of these apps are not accurate and lead people to believe that they are dying. This was happening with my best friend. She would be sick or have a physical concern, and when she looked up her symptoms on WebMD or another medical app, she would always be "dying". Which was never the case. These apps are convenient but have little accuracy.
ReplyDeleteI have had a background in sports since I was 7 years old and the worst thing that can happen is getting injured and having to sit out the rest of the season. When I got older, I would try to avoid going to the doctor when I injured myself playing sports to keep myself in the game. I think these apps are useful because There have been times when I have been to a doctor for certain injuries and they cant do anything to help. They send me home with an ice pack a prescription for an anti-inflammatory, and a piece of paper stating that I cannot participate in my sport for 2 weeks. Once this started happening more regularly I used the internet to diagnose myself for mild injuries. This way I knew how to properly treat the sprained ankle or hurt shoulder without having to spend money on doctors who are going to tell me the same thing the internet will. I think for serious injuries and illnesses one should not be diagnosing themselves. However, when it comes to minor twists and tears I do not see the problem with these websites or phone apps.
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion an app like this truly does fit our society today because of the fast and furious country that we live in. I honestly think there is no problem in using a simple app to further their knowledge about a certain illness as long as it is mild. If someone were using this app in place of a doctor I do not think that would be the smartest idea because doctors clearly have more schooling and practice than a simple app. I also think these apps can be dangerous because they will try to sell patients on certain drugs after "diagnosing" them. I do not think it would be extremely bad for a patients health because they would only be able to buy over the counter drugs however taking medications that are not needed is not healthy. Overall I think that these apps can help with suggesting whether you have sinus problems and possibly the best over the counter drug for the patient, but in reality we are always going to need doctors who have been educated and taught how to treat patients.
ReplyDeleteI personally am guilty of self-diagnosing using webMD. With the medical industry getting more advanced, and healthcare getting more expensive, I'm not surprised more and more people are looking to optimize their health by using technology like phone apps. People always look for a quick fix, basically instant gratification. So, doing research and studying a product usually isn't in their radar. Stick to the basics: get your nutrition right and exercise regularly. Its cliche and every health add says it, but its the truth. Diet is 80% nutrition, 20% exercise (according to getfitandrichquick.net).
ReplyDelete-Micah Thornton