Every second Internet user googles disease symptoms

About half of all Internet users have ever entered disease symptoms on an Internet search engine to find out which disease is behind it or which treatment might be useful. This is the result of a study commissioned by digital association Bitkom.

Every second person searches the internet for his symptoms and illnesses. Image: ribkhan - fotolia

The Web is the first point of contact for many people when it comes to physical ailments, and they often receive valuable information and advice quickly and easily.

Internet research on disease symptoms among women is particularly widespread: 61% have already googled for signs of illness, and 46% of male Internet users.

But older people are also using the Web to learn about the symptoms of illness: 60% of Internet users aged 65 and over say that they have consulted the internet before signs of illness. 52% of the 50 to 64 year olds, 51% of the 30 to 49 year olds and 55% of the 14 to 29 year olds.

Twenty-six percent of internet users have researched the symptoms of the disease on the Internet several times, and 16% often do so.

However, it is always important to respect the integrity and independence of the offer and the competence of the authors, for example by checking with the help of the imprint who operates the site.