Doctor Vs Google: 4 Reasons Why Should You Trust Doctor Rather Than Google

Updated on & Medically Reviewed by Dr Lalitha
Doctor Vs Google: 4 Reasons Why Should You Trust Doctor Rather Than Google

We live in the digital age now, where Google and Siri have become our go-to solutions for everything.

Whether you need a recipe, a contact, an address, a cure, or a diagnosis, it is all just a click away.

Do you disagree?

You probably don’t.

While it might be okay to ask Google for the best movies, songs, and recipes, how wise is it to ask a search engine for diagnosis?

Doctors vs Google

Doctors report that patients these days come to them with so much information from Dr. Google that they often refuse to accept the diagnosis they provide because they read something else.

We are not saying that it is bad to read, we are talking about the sources you read from. We cannot stress how important it is to read from the right sources.

The internet is open and accessible to all. Anyone can add information to it, and there is no policing body to fact-check the information.

This quality and authenticity of the internet can be very dangerous when it comes to health-related information. Another factor to be considered is that, even if the sources are genuine, every human body is unique, and what might suit one might not be good for the other.

Diseases don’t read medical textbooks, neither do patients. What works for one patient may not work for another. Different patients may manifest symptoms in different ways.

Other dangerous sources of such information are often uncles, aunts, grandmothers, and family remedies. While some of the home remedies are good, some may even be harmful, especially when done with half knowledge.

There are so many magic remedies and magic products out there, so many shortcuts to ‘good health’, fad diets and so much more. When people blindly follow these, they are bound to suffer in the future. You do not want to entrust your health to unknown entities on the internet and suffer in the long run.

But, you also need to ensure that your health is in good condition.

So What is the Solution?

It’s simple. Trust your doctors.

Even with the developments in artificial intelligence etc, our advice would be to trust your doctors and build a relationship with them.

Recently, the trust in doctors has declined due to several reasons; the major ones being social media and the news. While very few people broadcast their positive experiences with doctors, the few negative experiences are blown out of proportion and shared by friends and family on the internet.

A vital point being ignored, is that the costs of healthcare and infrastructure are not in the hands of Doctors and humans are not immortal!

News publishers also choose to shed extra light only on the few negative incidents that happen with complete disregard to the damage being done to the doctor-patient relationship, which is detrimental to society on the whole.

Another factor leading to this mistrust is the online reviews that patients publish. Not only is it easy to write fake reviews, but often people write reviews only when something goes wrong. So the thousands of times that the doctor helped their patient goes down the drain if one consultation did not go well.

Doctors spend years mastering their profession, and they also do so out of genuine interest to cure people. While it is always good to cross-check a doctor’s credentials and reviews of patients on authentic platforms, an appointment with a doctor definitely scores over an hour of pouring over the internet or other source non-qualified sources.

Why Should You Trust Your Doctor Rather Than Google?

1. Accuracy and Reliability:

One of the primary reasons why we should trust doctors over Google is the accuracy and reliability of the information. Doctors have spent years studying and practicing medicine, and they have the experience and expertise required to diagnose and treat illnesses accurately. On the other hand, Google searches can provide a wide range of information, including inaccurate and unreliable sources. It is easy to become overwhelmed and confused by the sheer volume of information available on the internet, and this can lead to incorrect self-diagnosis and self-treatment.

2. Personalized Treatment:

Doctors provide personalized treatment that takes into account the unique circumstances and medical history of each patient. This personalized approach is not possible with Google searches, which provide generic information that may not be relevant to the individual. A doctor can analyze a patient's symptoms, medical history, and other factors to arrive at an accurate diagnosis and develop a treatment plan tailored to the individual's needs. This level of personalization is crucial in ensuring that patients receive the best possible care and treatment.

3. Safety and Risk:

Another reason why we should trust doctors over Google is safety and risk. Medical treatments and procedures carry risks, and self-treatment based on information found on Google can result in serious complications and harm. A doctor can assess the risks and benefits of treatment options and make an informed decision that prioritizes the safety and well-being of the patient. In contrast, self-treatment based on incomplete or inaccurate information found on Google can lead to serious harm and long-term health consequences.

4. Communication and Trust:

Finally, doctors provide a level of communication and trust that cannot be replicated by Google searches. A doctor-patient relationship is built on trust, and this relationship is essential in ensuring that patients feel comfortable sharing their symptoms and concerns. Doctors can provide guidance and reassurance that goes beyond the information found on Google searches. This trust and communication also allow doctors to monitor patients' progress and adjust their treatment plans accordingly.

    Most doctors strive to make their patients comfortable and build relationships. Doctors report that when patients trust them, build relationships, and rely on them for relief from their troubles, that’s all the motivation that they need to keep going.

    Some might argue saying that doctors charge high rates and they are expensive. Well, quality and expertise are worth it. You might have to spend a few extra hundreds for a doctor’s visit today, but this might help save thousands of bucks in the future.

    Most of the time, it may not be the doctor receiving the fee.

    • Do you think twice about the cost when you have a drink or go out to a multiplexor order pizza?
    • Do you raise questions when engineering institutes proudly announce the starting pay packages of their graduates in multinational companies?
    • Don’t you think that a minimum of 10 years of rigorous training, night duties, no vacations, low stipends, hectic schedules, and much more non-glorious stuff and personal sacrifices should be valued?

    In summary, A doctor is a medical professional who has received formal education and training in the diagnosis and treatment of illnesses and injuries. They are licensed to practice medicine and can provide a wide range of services, including performing physical exams, ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests, and prescribing medications.

    Google, on the other hand, is a search engine and technology company. It provides a wide range of services, including internet search, email, cloud storage, and online advertising. While it can provide information on a wide range of topics, it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. It is always recommended to consult a doctor for any medical related issues.

    So, Stop your doubts like "Should I Trust My Doctor?", etc. Trust the people with knowledge and talk to your doctor the next time you feel unwell instead of turning to Dr. Google or the neighbor. It will save you a lot of trips to the hospital in the future. 

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    Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any questions or concerns about your health, please talk to a healthcare professional.


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