The Internet is a good source of gathering information. Not just lesser aware people but even experts look for information on the internet but they know where to look for it or have enough insights to understand the difference between reliable and unreliable sources. However, many people are stuck to the IDIOT syndrome and believe in all the information that is available on the internet and go on to the extent of obstructing their treatment that a doctor has prescribed. This is quite a bizarre practice.

The IDIOT syndrome is also referred to as cyberchondria in medical terms. Knowledge available on the internet is to supplement the knowledge available from doctors and never meant to completely replace the doctor with the internet. The better way would be to read the information on the internet and in the next consultation with your doctor get that verified with him or her rather than completely stopping the doctor’s visit and wholly following the internet. 

No one can manage a patient’s sufferings as well as a doctor

There is absolutely no doubt about the fact that professionals who have undergone years of training to keep different parts of the human body fit are the best source of information to turn to when you have any problem related to your health. They are the best healers, best counsellors and best managers of our health. They are the first resort to be made use of and not the last. 

IDIOT Syndrome is highly prevalent in covid times 

The problem with the covid times is that people have been spending more and more time at home with the internet and not moving out even for doctor’s consultations for the fear of getting infected. So, many people have made the internet their doctor for many of their ailments including covid. This should not be the case. With technology at its best, it is advisable to use facilities like tele-consultations if you fear stepping out instead of replacing your doctor with the internet. In fact, the well-informed lot have already started doing so. In a conversation with Medicircle, Partha Sarthi Mishra, IT Manager, Jaypee Hospital Noida states, “In earlier days we used to think that the only way to get healthcare is through face-to-face interactions between a consultant and a patient. The pandemic has changed the scenario and the outlook of people. There is acceptance as well as the demand of virtual consultations at the consultant as well as the patient's end.” (Full writeup is available at - https://medicircle.in/insights-on-being-physical-to-digital-by-parth-sarthi-mishra-senior-it-manager-jaypee-hospital-noida ) Thus, become smart like others and use technology to connect to doctors. Never allow IDIOT Syndrome to take over you.