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To review the Pew Internet and American Life Project's 2009 report on health digital/social media use, please click here.

Update: For details on who is not using the Web to seek health information, please see below.

The Pew Internet & American Life Project and the California Healthcare Foundation have updated and expanded their 2009 report on the use of social technologies for health and wellness. The report notes that there are numerous “pockets” of energized and engaged patients and caregivers actively tracking and sharing health information, although these are not yet mainstream activities.

“The Social Life of Health Information 2011” report affirms that medical practitioners and other health professionals are the first choice for obtaining health-related information for most people, but that “online resources, including advice from peers, are a significant source of health information in the U.S.” The report notes a correlation between the growing number accessing broadband and mobile, and the increasing frequency of people posting online reviews of their personal medical conditions and treatments, as well as participating in chat-room discussions and raising awareness about health matters.

Summary of findings: Of the 74% of adults who use the Internet

• 80% of Internet users (59% of adults) have looked for information about any of 15 health topics such as a specific disease or treatment.
• 34% (25% of adults) have read someone else’s health-related comments on a website, blog or online news group.
• 25% (19% of adults) have watched an online video about health or medical issues.
• 24% (18% of adults) have checked online reviews of specific drugs or medical treatments.
• 18% (13% of adults) have looked online for others who have a similar condition or health concern.
• 16% (12% of adults) have checked online rankings or reviews of doctors or other practitioners.
• 15% (11% of adults) have checked online rankings or reviews of hospitals or medical facilities.

Social Network Site Users:

• 62% of adult Internet users (46% of all adults) use social network sites;
• 23% (11% of adults) have followed friends’ personal health matters or updates;
• 17% (8% of adults) have used social networking sites to memorialize other people afflicted by a certain health condition;
• 15% (7% of adults) have retrieved health information from social network sites.

Social Media in Context

• Health professionals and traditional resources continue to be central to health care questions and considerations, but a swiftly-growing number of people use online venues and social tools to attain information, share knowledge and discuss health concerns.
• Internet users with chronic conditions are likely to make greater use of online and social media resources for health-related commentary than those without chronic conditions.
• Wireless users are making greater use of social networking than other Internet users.
• Social network sites are popular, but used less for health updates and inquiries than for other topics or general interest.
• People caring for someone with health conditions are more likely than other adults to use social network sites to gather and share health information and support.
• More people report being helped, rather than harmed, by accessing online health information.
• Internet access drives information access.

Health Information Going Mobile

• 85% of US adults own a cell phone. 17% of those have looked up health or medical information by using their phone.

Tradition and Familiarity Still Hold Sway in Health Matters

• Although an Internet role is growing exponentially in the seeking of health-related information, it remains a “supporting role.” Most adults still prefer consulting a health professional or family member with health questions.

Mobile Health Trends (Click to Enlarge)

Individuals Not Using the Web to Seek Health Information

In October 2011, Pew published a brief report focusing on individuals who do not use the Web to find health information.  Pew found that: 

• Individuals with less than a high school education do not go online to seek health information
• The oldest adults are less likely to go online to seek health information

The report utilized a national survey by Princeton Survey Research Associates International of more than 3000 adults. The survey was conducted between August 9, 2010 and September 13, 2010.