Take precautions before consulting 'Dr Google'

Self-diagnosis can backfire, and people should learn to distinguish true search results from sponsored links; be suspicious when a site recommends a specific drug

New: Gift this subscriber-only story to your friends and family

Everyone occasionally experiences new symptoms that can't be readily explained or ignored. In most cases, people seek initial medical guidance from the one source they consider authoritative, available, trustworthy and non-judgmental.

We are, of course, talking about Google - which, for many adults, has become a de facto primary care doctor.

Already a subscriber? 

Read the full story and more at $9.90/month

Get exclusive reports and insights with more than 500 subscriber-only articles every month

Unlock these benefits

  • All subscriber-only content on ST app and straitstimes.com

  • Easy access any time via ST app on 1 mobile device

  • E-paper with 2-week archive so you won't miss out on content that matters to you

Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.

A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Sunday Times on March 03, 2019, with the headline Take precautions before consulting 'Dr Google'. Subscribe