Do Dr. Google and Health Apps Have (Comparable) Side Effects? An Experimental Study

Abstract

Googling and using apps for health-related information are highly prevalent worldwide. So far, little is known about the emotional, body-related, and behavioral effects of using both Google and health-related apps. In our experimental study, bodily symptoms were first provoked by a standardized hyperventilation test. A total of 147 participants (96.6% students) were then randomly assigned to one of three conditions: Googling for the causes of the currently experienced bodily symptoms, using a medical app to diagnose the experienced symptoms, and a waiting control condition. Health-related Internet use for symptoms led to stronger negative affect, increased health anxiety, and increased need to consult a physician compared with the control condition. Googling and using the medical app showed comparable adverse emotional and behavioral effects. The findings are in line with current models of cyberchondria in which health-related Internet use represents an essential factor in maintaining and amplifying emotional distress.