Dangers Of Information Overload And Online Self Diagnoses.

We often overlook the problem of information overload until it affects us directly. I didn’t realized how dangerous it could be until I nearly hugged the doctor after seeing my chest x-ray result.

The result showed my chest was clear, and nothing abnormal was detected. My relief was so palpable that my husband asked, “Were you expecting something negative?” It was only then that I recognized that I had in truth been preparing for the worst.

This ‘worst’ wasn’t accidental; it stemmed from checking my symptoms online, trying to know too much. I was feeling chest pain, nausea, and persistent belching. Rather than consulting a professional, I fell into the rabbit hole of online diagnoses, which ranged from kidney issues to GERD and even lung problems.

While there’s value in researching, it’s wise to limit how much we rely on search engines. My online diagnosis left me sleepless the night before my hospital visit. Thoughts like “What if it’s terminal?” or “How will I cope if it’s serious?” filled my mind. I woke up jittery, seeking reassurance in my husband’s words. He hadn’t given me cause for concern, but I had read cases where serious diagnoses strained marriages. I grew even more anxious when I heard my x-ray results would be delayed overnight.

On the day I received the results, I was mentally preparing for bad news, wondering how I’d manage and break it to loved ones. My anxiety was so intense I asked my husband to accompany me for ‘moral support.’ I needed him to hold me if the worst came true. My faith had also taken a hit; as I tried to pray, my mind still lingered on worst-case scenarios. In the end, the diagnosis was an exacerbated stomach ulcer, manageable with medication and lifestyle changes.

Now, I know the value of trusting medical professionals over endless online information. The peace that comes with this trust is worth more than the fleeting reassurance a search engine might provide.”

Comment and share on your own episode of information overload.