Patients on the Internet: The Information Age and Trust in Medicine, Conspiracies, and Proliferation of False Information

The Internet is a useful tool to search for information about world history, art and literature, and scientific discoveries. Cancer patients and medical professionals have increasing access to the latest scientific research. However, the Internet also provides access to less rigorous science and opinion, which may be based on anecdotal information, philosophical, religious, or political beliefs, fake news, or conspiracy theories, and unaccompanied by disclaimer warnings. The origin of information may or may not matter to Internet users, and they may have a predilection for different sources depending on their political views. This is clearly illustrated by the panoply of misinformation propagated on the Internet about the Covid-19 pandemic. Even with the best intended, scientifically sound websites available to the public, unless specifically stated, one does not always have the same fiduciary connection as with a traditional physician/provider-patient relationship. Yet, people expect to find information for ailments or treatments that resemble their actual symptoms or diagnoses from reliable sources. How do patients decide which sources of information to trust, and how do they integrate that information into their conversations with their medical providers? And if a site can be trusted, can the information be taken as truth for the information seeker? Unfortunately, there are no straightforward answers to these questions. We will address different aspects of the Internet in health care and oncology, including gathering information, the extent of misinformation, cultural aspects of information seeking, correcting misinformation, the use of social media for information and support, as well as suggestions for strengthening the trust capability of a patient-provider-Internet intermediary relationship and potentially reducing health care disparities.