Tips for safely surfing the Internet
The American Geriatrics Society’s Foundation For Health In Aging has published a guide to safe use of the Internet, especially health information, for and by older persons.
It has written that there are smart, easy steps to take to make sure that the information read on the Internet is accurate, safe, and expert. Here’s how:
Know the source. Always look for an “about us” page on websites. This page will tell you who publishes it. Websites from the Federal Government, universities, and major non-profit organizations usually have high-quality websites.
Look for the site’s contact information. If a website doesn’t provide an easy way to contact the organisation, approach its information with caution.
Who’s an expert? Look for recognised experts as writers or reviewers of information on health websites. Top experts will often hold university-level teaching positions.
Look for expert reviewers. Check the “About Us” page to see how the information is reviewed. Make sure that reviewers are experts.
Check the review date. Health information changes rapidly. High quality websites reveal the date reviewers last checked the information.
Know about web “addresses” The last three letters of a site’s address help you identify the kind of organization that sponsors it.
- .gov sites are funded by government agencies
- .edu sites are from educational institutions
- .org sites may be non-profit, scientific, or research sites
- .com sites-anyone can have one. Look for evidence. Reputable sites will back information with medical research, and will cite the actual studies.
Be wary. Steer clear of products or services that claim to provide miracle cures. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Avoid products that contain “secret ingredients” or those “your doctor won’t tell you about.” Insist on scientific proof for all medical claims, and double check information on several credible sites. You should always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new medical therapies or supplements.
Check certifications. Look for the Health On the Net Foundation (HON) logo, which should be displayed on a health website’s home page. This non-profit organization accredits health websites that stick to certain principles to assure that the information on the site is reliable.
