“Let’s Talk Before You Search”: A Doctor’s Take on Online Health Misinformation

By: Zohaib Qureishi | Seasonal Public Relations Intern | Digital4Good

You’d be surprised how often a patient walks into an exam room, more anxious than sick, because of something they saw online. Dr. Rasik Khateeb, an emergency physician and medical director, shared how online health misinformation can both help and harm patients. His message is clear: the internet can be a tool, but it’s also a trap if you don’t have context.

When Instagram Convinces You It’s a Brain Tumor

Dr. Khateeb recalls a middle-aged man convinced he had a brain tumor after watching a viral Instagram video. The symptoms—headaches—were real, but the cause turned out to be stress, lack of sleep, and too much caffeine.

“Social media often creates panic because it takes symptoms out of context. People forget there’s a bigger picture,” he explained.

Cases like this aren’t rare. From vaccine hesitancy to miracle “cures,” misinformation is reshaping patient trust in troubling ways.

The Misinformation Spiral

Why Online Searches Mislead

Patients often arrive with self-diagnoses already formed. Some fear vaccines; others delay proven treatments for influencer-endorsed alternatives.

“The internet doesn’t know your age, your lifestyle, your health history,” said Dr. Khateeb. “That context is everything when it comes to making the right call.”

Misinformation isn’t about curiosity—it’s about being misled.

So How Do You Break the Misinformation Loop?

Turning Fear Into Dialogue

Instead of dismissing patients, Dr. Khateeb approaches with curiosity.

“I ask where they heard the information. I listen. And then I explain the science.”

This non-judgmental approach keeps patients engaged. Sometimes, he even reviews credible sources with them during the appointment, turning the exam room into a learning space.

If He Could Put One Sign in Every Exam Room

“Let’s Talk Before You Search”

That’s the message Dr. Khateeb wishes every patient could see first. By encouraging dialogue over Googling, he hopes to prevent spirals of anxiety and mistrust before they begin.

It’s Not All Bad: The Upside of Online Curiosity

Awareness Can Save Lives

Online research can sometimes help. Patients may notice early warning signs they might otherwise ignore.

“That’s great, as long as they’re open to discussion,” said Dr. Khateeb.

Curiosity paired with conversation leads to better outcomes—not panic.

Real Conversations > Search Bars

This conversation with Dr. Khateeb was a reminder of how complex digital health literacy has become. At Digital4Good, we see how social media affects health choices—especially for young people.

Key Takeaways

• Don’t let algorithms be your doctor.
• Ask questions, not just search them.
• Create space for real conversations with providers who know your health story.

The first opinion you seek should come from a human, not a trending post.