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Apr 25, 2023
Aditi Vaishnav, MBBS

The Changing Landscape of Health Information: Who Holds the Power and Who Holds the Responsibility?

The Changing Landscape of Health Information: Who Holds the Power and Who Holds the Responsibility?

The internet and social media have transformed the way we access and share information, and healthcare is no exception. However, with an abundance of health information available online, it can be challenging to distinguish reliable sources from inaccurate or outright false ones. This raises a critical question: who has the power and responsibility when it comes to health information?

Traditionally, doctors have been seen as the gatekeepers of health information. We feel a deep sense of responsibility for our patients' health. Most of us undergo over a decade of rigorous training to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to provide each patient the best care possible. However, with the rise of social media platforms, such as TikTok, we are facing an unprecedented challenge. While these platforms are a quick and easy source for answers, they are often rife with misinformation and pseudoscience that can reach a large number of people in a shorter span of time. This can leave doctors feeling frustrated and powerless, because the thought of a patient suffering due to inaccurate or even dangerous advice from unqualified sources is deeply troubling.

At Tell™, we believe that each person should have the power to take control of their own health and well-being. So, we are creating an ecosystem that enables people to find engaging and easy to understand content from verified healthcare providers. This can give people the knowledge and tools they need to understand their health better and make informed decisions that are in their best interests.

Ultimately, the responsibility for our health lies with each of us. By leveraging technology in the right way, we aim to build a collaborative healthcare platform that empowers patients, supports doctors, and creates a healthier, more informed society.