The Internet: A Place for Different Voices in Health and Medicine? A Case Study of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Abstract

Lay people might disagree with the ‘formal’ knowledge of medicine produced in medical schools and the internet has provided an opportunity for them to present their ideas. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a new concept and has always been a controversial topic. Many people are presenting their views regarding ADHD on the web. This article explores a sample of ADHD‐related materials found by Google and evaluates the possible effects that different voices may have on ‘formal’ knowledge.