Downloads: 3 | Views: 144 | Weekly Hits: ⮙1 | Monthly Hits: ⮙3
Review Papers | Psychology | India | Volume 14 Issue 2, February 2025 | Rating: 5.5 / 10
The Digital Dilemma: Exploring the Global Implications of Cyberchondria on Health Anxiety and Well - Being in the Information Age
Vikas Singh Jat
Abstract: Background: In the digital era, cyberchondria has emerged as a significant psychological issue, characterized by an excessive online quest for health - related information that results in increased anxiety. The availability of online health information has transformed the manner in which individuals seek medical information; however, it has also resulted in negative health outcomes, compulsive behaviors, and emotional distress. The expanding trend of health anxiety associated with cyberchondria has implications for the well - being of individuals, as well as for the utilization of healthcare, the relationships between doctors and patients, and public health systems. Objective: The objective of this study is to investigate the global prevalence and significance of cyberchondria in relation to health anxiety and overall well - being. It will analyze the psychological, socio - economic, and cultural factors that contribute to its development. It evaluates the efficacy of extant interventions and coping mechanisms for addressing cyberchondria, with a particular emphasis on healthcare utilization, and investigates the broader public health implications. Furthermore, the investigation endeavors to pinpoint strategies for the prevention and management of cyberchondria, emphasizing the necessity of effective public health initiatives and individual psychological interventions. Methodology: This investigation employs a scoping review methodology to investigate the correlation between cyberchondria, health concern, and online health information - seeking behavior (OHIS). Studies published between 2005 and 2024 were the subject of a systematic search across major databases, such as PubMed, PsycINFO, Google Scholar, and Scopus. Cyberchondria, health anxiety, digital health information, and healthcare utilization were among the primary search terms. The review adhered to Arksey and O'Malley's framework, which consisted of five stages: the identification of research questions, the selection of studies, the charting of data, and the synthesizing of results. Results: The results underscore the multifaceted nature of cyberchondria, as substantial evidence indicates that frequent online health searches exacerbate health anxiety and related mental health conditions, including OCD. Research indicates that cyberchondria impacts a variety of demographics, such as medical students, individuals with somatic symptoms, and those with pre - existing health anxieties. A significant increase in healthcare utilization and a high level of mistrust toward healthcare professionals were observed. In addition, the proliferation of low - quality online health information, particularly in developing regions, contributes to misinformation, self - diagnosis, and fraught doctor - patient dynamics. Cyberchondria is also predicted by important psychological traits, including anxiety sensitivity and intolerance of uncertainty, according to research. Conclusion: The intersection of digital behavior and healthcare is becoming increasingly complex due to cyberchondria. A combination of psychoeducation, therapy, and enhanced digital literacy is necessary for the effective management of this condition. Despite the effectiveness of cognitive - behavioral therapy, it is imperative to conduct additional research on interventions such as mindfulness - based approaches and public health initiatives. The study underscores the necessity of longitudinal research to evaluate the long - term effects of cyberchondria, particularly in low - and middle - income countries with diverse cultural and healthcare contexts. In order to mitigate the detrimental consequences of cyberchondria on global healthcare systems and mental health, it is imperative to address voids in the literature and encourage critical analysis of online health information.
Keywords: Cyberchondria, online health research, Health anxiety
Edition: Volume 14 Issue 2, February 2025,
Pages: 1455 - 1464