Lesson 7: Evaluating Online Health Information

Authority

-- Who is responsible for the site? Can you readily identify the site sponsor? Any good health-related Web site should make it easy for you to learn who is responsible for the site. (Tip: Look for a link to "About Us" or "Who We Are.")

-- Where does the information come from? Many sites post information collected from other sources. The names of the authors or the original sources should be clearly stated. (Tip: Look for signed articles or information produced by well known health-related organizations.)

-- Is an email address given so that you can ask questions or make comments about the site? There should always be a way for you to contact the site owners. (Tip: Look for a link to "Contact Us" or "Feedback.")

Exercise:

Go to Dr. John Grohol’s Psych Central.

1. Click about to find out who is responsible for the site.
2. Look at the privacy policy, advertising and funding information.
3. Find the link for feedback.

Go to The AntiAging & Longevity Project and note the lack of any of these features.

Evaluating Online Health Info
Next section: Currency