I would like to share my views on the growing influence of the internet on medical decisions.
The internet has transformed access to information, and healthcare is no exception. Today, just a few taps on a smartphone can provide thousands of videos, posts, and opinions on everything from managing a fever to treating chronic illnesses. While this unprecedented access has empowered people to take a greater interest in their health, it has also created a growing challenge: distinguishing credible medical advice from misinformation.
Increasingly, individuals turn to social media to diagnose symptoms or seek advice on which medicines to consume. Recommendations from influencers, online forums, or well-meaning acquaintances are often accepted without considering whether they are evidence-based or appropriate for an individual’s medical condition. This growing reliance on unverified information can have serious consequences and, in some cases, require urgent medical intervention.
The risks of self-diagnosis and self-medication can be significant. A persistent cough may be a symptom of an underlying condition that requires medical attention, while recurring headaches or ongoing fatigue may warrant professional evaluation rather than repeated use of over-the-counter remedies. Similarly, taking antibiotics without a prescription or stopping a prescribed course prematurely not only compromises individual recovery but also contributes to the growing global threat of antimicrobial resistance.
Although digital platforms are pivotal in raising health awareness and encouraging positive health behaviors, the information they provide should serve as a starting point for informed discussions with qualified healthcare professionals not as a substitute for medical consultation.
As Pakistan’s digital landscape continues to expand, strengthening health literacy and consumer policy has become more important than ever. Healthcare professionals, media organisations, policymakers, and the pharmaceutical industry all share the foundational responsibility to promote accurate, evidence-based information and encourage the responsible use of medicines.
Individuals should avoid self-prescribing or consuming medications based solely on information found online and instead seek guidance from qualified healthcare professionals. Making healthcare decisions based on credible medical advice rather than viral trends will protect individual well-being, strengthen public trust in science, and promote confidence in evidence-based care.
Fraz Khalid (Karachi)
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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