Health Literacy and Cyberchondria

Abstract

Although newly developing technologies contribute positively to human life, many studies have shown that it has some health risks. The widespread use of computers and mobile devices, in particular, have allowed the internet to be accessible by almost everyone and thus exposes them to health problems resulting from internet use. The aims of this study are to investigate negative health problems associated with internet use, the impact of new media tools on the health of individuals, to understand cyberchondria and to present solutions to reduce its effects. Furthermore, it was aimed to assess the status of cyberchondria and related factors as well health literacy in individuals using the internet to determine the necessary treatment options for cyberchondria, to clarify the conceptual status of cyberchondria for future research, and to develop evidence-based approaches. Findings indicate that when considering the relationship between health literacy and cyberchondria, the effect of health literacy in reducing cyberchondria was found to be effective.