Dr Google v your GP: how technology is transforming the doctor-patient relationship
In today's world, the role of doctors is undergoing a dramatic transformation.
Medical professionals are no longer just the sole authorities on health and diagnosis; they are increasingly becoming collaborators, guides and educators in a healthcare landscape reshaped by the internet, social media and self-diagnosis tools.
Platforms like Google, TikTok and even YouTube significantly influence how people approach their health, creating a complex dynamic between patients and physicians.
The rise of Dr Google
It’s no secret that people often turn to Google when they experience a strange symptom or feel unwell.
According to a Pew Research Center study, about 73% of internet users in the US have searched for health information online, with over a third of them trying to self-diagnose their symptoms.
For many, this is a way to take control of their health or feel informed before visiting a doctor.
Take, for example, Donald Leow, a retired radiologic technologist, who shared his experience on Quora about Googling a potential diagnosis for severe foot pain.
His search led him to suspect gout, which he shared with his doctor. Ultimately, the doctor confirmed the diagnosis, prescribed medication and Leow's condition improved.
For him, Google acted as a starting point for a productive conversation with his doctor.
However, not every case of self-diagnosis ends this well. Misdiagnosis can lead to unnecessary anxiety, improper treatment or, in extreme cases, dangerous decisions.
A headache might be mistaken for a brain tumour or fatigue could be self-diagnosed as a chronic disease.
Yet, there’s no denying that Dr Google has empowered patients to take a more active role in their health - for better or worse.
TikTok and the era of self-diagnosing mental health
Beyond Google, platforms like TikTok are now influencing how individuals perceive and discuss their health, particularly mental health.
TikTok’s short, engaging videos have made it a go-to platform for young people seeking relatable content about conditions like ADHD, borderline personality disorder, and OCD.
Statista reports that TikTok experienced a 180% surge in growth among 15 to 25-year-olds during the Covid-19 pandemic, as isolation and anxiety drove teens and young adults online for answers and community.
While TikTok helps normalise conversations about mental health and provides a sense of belonging, it also raises concerns among professionals.
Misinterpreting symptoms or self-diagnosing based on a 60-second video can lead to misunderstanding mental health challenges or delaying proper treatment.
Joseph Davis, a sociology researcher at the University of Virginia, highlights that many young people are less focused on accurate diagnoses and more interested in finding language to describe their struggles.
Psychologists and psychiatrists warn that the oversimplification of complex conditions on TikTok can lead to overdiagnosis, trivialisation or even the romanticisation of disorders.
Still, the platform has value in breaking the stigma around mental health and encouraging individuals to seek professional help.
What do doctors think about Dr Google?
Doctors have mixed feelings about patients turning to Google or social media before visiting them.
On the one hand, some find it frustrating when patients arrive with a self-diagnosis and are convinced they know more than the doctor. A popular quip among medical professionals is: "Google doesn’t have an MD, but I do."
On the other hand, many doctors see value in patients taking the initiative to research their symptoms. Gregory Miner Gustafson, a retired interventional cardiologist, explained on Quora that he welcomes patients who’ve done some research.
He encourages them to share what they’ve learned, as it fosters collaboration. Even if their self-diagnosis is incorrect, Gustafson believes discussing it helps patients feel heard and validated.
Similarly, a doctor interviewed by “The Independent” noted that even when patients’ self-diagnoses are "completely off base," it opens the door for meaningful conversations.
"I’d rather hear your concerns than have you leave feeling ignored," the doctor said. These interactions not only strengthen the doctor-patient relationship but also allow patients to feel more in control of their health journey.
The broader implications of the changing dynamics
The growing reliance on online health information also reflects broader systemic issues, particularly with salaries not matching the standard of living.
High costs and lack of insurance coverage often force individuals to turn to Google rather than a physician. As one individual noted on Quora: "People Google their symptoms because they can’t afford to see a doctor."
The doctor’s role in the digital age
As patients become more informed and proactive, the role of doctors is shifting.
Today’s physicians are not just diagnosticians; they are educators and collaborators. They must help patients navigate the overwhelming amount of health information online and provide clarity.
Doctors who embrace this role see empowered patients as allies rather than adversaries.
For instance, the “gay doctor on TikTok”, who has gained popularity for his candid discussions about health, encourages his patients to share their self-diagnoses. "You know yourself best," he says.
At the same time, doctors must educate patients about reliable sources. Checking side effects on trusted sites like the Mayo Clinic or consulting evidence-based platforms like MedlinePlus can help patients avoid misinformation.
Doctors must adapt to this new reality by fostering open communication, validating patients’ concerns, and guiding them toward accurate information.
Patients, in turn, should view online tools as a complement to - and not a replacement for - medical expertise. In an ever-evolving healthcare landscape, the key is collaboration, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to well-being.