Navigating the Infodemic: Cyberchondria and Its Associated Factors Among Dental Students – A Cross-Sectional Study.

Abstract

The term cyberchondria is derived from the combination of two words: “cyber,” referring to the internet, and “hypochondria,” which denotes excessive worry about one’s health. With the increasing reliance on digital platforms, the internet has become one of the primary sources of health-related information1. A global survey involving over 12,000 participants, including individuals from India, reported that nearly 46% of respondents use the internet for self-diagnosis2. This phenomenon has contributed to a global “infodemic,” characterized by the rapid spread of both accurate and misleading health-related information online3.The overwhelming surge of information in today’s digital age has made it increasingly difficult for individuals to access clear, concise, and reliable guidance from trustworthy sources4. During periods of distress, individuals tend to modify their patterns of social media usage, often engaging in excessive information seeking until they experience cognitive overload and fatigue 5 6 7 . Furthermore, social media platforms facilitate the rapid dissemination of misinformation, as content is frequently shared without adequate verification. Such misinformation can increase confusion, heighten perceived risk8, and promote inappropriate or even harmful behaviors, with consequences ranging from misleading interpretations to life-threatening outcomes9. Cognitive biases influence how health information is interpreted, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Biases like confirmation and negativity distort judgment, leading to irrational decisions and contributing to cyberchondria.10 11.