Physician Warning Regarding Health Recommendations in Digital Media

Public Health Specialist Prof. Dr. Yasemin Açık stated that citizens should be cautious against health recommendations rapidly spreading in digital media recently, warning that treatment and medication decisions should be left to expert physicians.

Information Pollution in Digital Media

Prof. Dr. Yasemin Açık drew attention to the fact that not every health information encountered on the internet may be reliable. She stated that the source of the information must definitely be checked.

It was emphasized that decisions regarding medications, supplements, and treatment processes must definitely be made through evaluation by specialist physicians rather than the internet.

The Importance of Health Literacy

In statements made within the scope of Public Health Week, it was stated that health literacy does not only mean accessing information.

It was conveyed that understanding the accuracy of information, evaluating it, and using it correctly are of critical importance.

Family Physicians Lead in Information Sources

According to the Ministry of Health's research, family physicians stand out as the most reliable source of information for citizens on health issues with a rate of 69.1 percent.

However, it was determined that 63.7 percent of the public use internet search engines, 45.1 percent use television, and 29.6 percent use social media for information.

Risks of Herbal Products and Artificial Intelligence

It was stated that natural products and herbal supplements are not suitable for everyone and can create risks by interacting with medications being used.

It was noted that artificial intelligence tools should definitely not be used in critical matters such as diagnosis and modifying treatments, and these decisions should be left to the physician.