A new survey by AXA, the multinational insurance company, has revealed that nearly half of people in the UK have used online resources to self-diagnose medical conditions. The findings underscore a growing trend of individuals seeking health information from digital platforms, often bypassing traditional healthcare channels. With a significant number of people relying on online sources, experts are now calling for stronger regulations and better health education to ensure safe and accurate self-diagnosis practices.
The survey, which involved 4,000 UK respondents, found that the highest proportion of self-diagnosers were adults aged 35-44, contradicting expectations that younger generations, particularly those aged 16-24, would lead the trend. The data shows that 36% of respondents turned to digital tools for self-diagnosis, often due to the difficulty of securing a timely appointment with the UK’s National Health Service (NHS).
Among the conditions people were most likely to self-diagnose, minor health issues such as hay fever, sunburn, and the common cold were the most common. Mental health conditions were also frequently self-diagnosed, with nearly one-third of participants admitting to using online resources to assess their mental health. Interestingly, this proportion increased dramatically to almost 50% among those aged 16-24, highlighting the need for accessible, trustworthy mental health resources.
“This finding reflects the urgent demand for accessible mental health support, especially among younger people,” said Heather Smith, CEO of AXA Health. “Solutions like increasing mental health support within educational institutions or connecting digital self-assessment tools to professional services could help address this gap.”
The survey also explored where people are turning to for health information. Over half (55%) of respondents reported using the NHS website as a trusted source. Google was also a common search tool, and a quarter of people used symptom checkers—digital tools that suggest possible diagnoses based on inputted symptoms and offer associated advice for next steps.
Despite the growing use of digital tools, fewer than a third of respondents relied on social media platforms, such as TikTok, Instagram, Reddit, and Facebook, to self-diagnose. However, social media was notably more commonly used for diagnosing mental health conditions than physical ailments, with users twice as likely to turn to these platforms for mental health concerns.
While digital tools offer a sense of empowerment, AXA’s Heather Smith emphasizes the need for stronger regulation of online health content. “Digital health tools can empower individuals to take control of their well-being, but it’s crucial that these tools are backed by accurate, trustworthy information. We must ensure that self-diagnosis is coupled with proper guidance and regulations to prevent misinformation,” she said.
Experts also advocate for public education campaigns aimed at teaching people how to distinguish reliable health sources from misinformation. Clear guidelines on the next steps after using self-diagnosis tools could also help mitigate uncertainty and encourage safer practices.
The survey’s findings raise significant questions about the future of self-diagnosis in an increasingly digital world. While digital tools can be a valuable first step for individuals to better understand their health, it’s crucial that they do not replace the essential role of healthcare professionals. The trend of using digital platforms to self-diagnose highlights the need for ongoing innovation in digital health, alongside stronger efforts to safeguard the accuracy and reliability of online health content.
In conclusion, while online health resources can empower individuals to manage their health proactively, there is an urgent need for enhanced regulation and education to ensure that these tools are used responsibly and effectively.
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