What’s the first thing you do when you’re not feeling well? If you said “Google my symptoms,” you’re not alone—but you might also be putting yourself at risk.
Turning to the internet for medical answers is easy, but it can also be dangerous. Unverified health claims—some of them absurd—have taken root on social media, spreading faster than ever before.
“One minute it’s a joke about using bleach to cure COVID,” said host Fred Roggin. “The next thing you know, people believe it—and start spreading that misinformation to others.”
Joining the conversation were guests Jamie and Doug Baker. Their advice: trust your doctor, not your search engine.
“Absolutely not,” said Doug when asked if he turns to the internet for medical guidance. “If my doctor suggests researching something specific online, I will. But I don’t consult with Dr. Google.”
Jamie was even more direct: “That’s the most lazy and asinine way of taking care of yourself. Why would I take my health and just Google a cure?”
So why are so many people willing to believe fake health advice?
“Because they’re lazy and they live on TikTok,” Jamie said. “There are people out there who think shampoo causes cancer and wash their hair with vinegar.”
Doug added, “People love conspiracy theories. They see a headline like, ‘What doctors don’t want you to know,’ and they think they’re unlocking a secret. They’re just being gullible.”
The conversation took a lighter turn when Fred noticed Doug’s goatee-in-progress. “Are you trying to grow a goatee?” he asked. Doug laughed, “I’d say I equal the output of maybe a 14-year-old—and I’ve had this for over a year.”
In the end, the message was clear: Trust qualified medical professionals, not viral videos.
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By: Fred Roggin
May 16, 2025
