Starting in 2014, Google began not only giving users results but also small answer boxes that their algorithms believe are most relevant to the question. However, research shows that oftentimes more reliable sources are buried beneath sources with few, if any, medical credentials. For instance, though Mayo Clinic finds colloidal silver to be unsafe, non-medical websites championing its health benefits are highlighted by Google while Mayo’s entry languishes further down the results page.
Studies from Henry Brighton, PhD, an assistant professor of cognitive science and artificial intelligence at Tilburg University in the Netherlands, demonstrate the issue’s importance because most people simply believe the first result to appear in their search engine, even if it isn’t from the most reputable source.
“The ordering is everything,” Dr. Brighton said. “So, the big finding is the degree to which we can manipulate people’s healthcare decisions, even when these issues are really, really important, and we can do that simply by changing the rankings of search results.”
More Articles on Patient Engagement:
Med school professor develops tool to cut noise for hospital patients
Why children’s hospitals are getting into Snapchat: 4 things to know
Parent-provider conversations could be key to upping vaccination rates
At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.