How to find credible medical information online

A Norbella Health Advocate’s guide to researching without losing your mind

When it comes to health, curiosity is natural — but the internet can be a dangerous place for it. Between Google searches, Reddit rabbit holes, and “wellness hacks” on TikTok, finding credible information feels harder than ever. At Norbella Health Advocates, we empower clients to understand their options, not drown in misinformation. So, let’s talk about how to tell what’s trustworthy and what’s just trending.

The “Dr. Google” dilemma

The instinct to search symptoms online isn’t wrong — it’s human. But as the blog Calling Dr. Google Is Not a Good Idea points out, information overload can quickly lead to panic, misinterpretation, and sometimes even harm.

Without medical training, it’s easy to misread research, overlook context, or confuse opinion for evidence. Worse, Google’s algorithm is built for popularity — not accuracy. That means the most clicked results aren’t necessarily the most credible.

The rise of social media “health experts”

According to an NPR report, a growing number of people now use TikTok and similar platforms as their first stop for health advice. Unfortunately, researchers from the University of Chicago found that nearly 60% of TikTok videos about sinus infections created by non-medical users contained inaccurate or misleading information — compared with only 15% when made by medical professionals.

Why the gap?

• Algorithms reward engagement, not accuracy.
  

• Short videos oversimplify complex science.
  

• “Influencers” may mean well but aren’t required to verify claims and are often paid to promote their position or products.
  

• Viewers often trust relatable personalities more than dry, boring medical research.
  

It’s an environment built for viral content, not verified facts. This does not even venture into the recent entry of artificial intelligence (AI) tools and searching for answers without citation. 

How to vet health information like an advocate

Here’s the Norbella approach — the same one we teach clients when helping them build their personal medical binder or prepare for appointments:

1. Always verify the source, and follow the money

Ask: Who wrote this? Who benefits? Reliable organizations, like the NIH, CDC, Mayo Clinic, and American Medical Association, provide unbiased, evidence-based resources. If a site sells what it recommends, tread carefully. Science doesn’t sell.

2. Look for citations and credentials

Good articles list authors, publication dates, and reference peer-reviewed published research. No credentials? No thanks. Misinformation thrives in anonymity and attitude.

3. Verify trust marks

Websites that display the HONcode (Health On the Net) or similar certifications have committed to transparency and ethical standards. It’s not a guarantee, but it’s a good start.

4. Be social media savvy

A creator’s charisma doesn’t equal credibility. Ask yourself:

• Are they a licensed, trained professional?

• Do they cite studies or just opinions?

• Are they selling something?

• Treat health “hacks” the way you’d treat a stranger offering you pills — question first.

5. Check the date

Science evolves, grows and adapts to new information. Look for “last updated” lines or publication years. If it’s older than five years (and not a foundational resource), find something newer if it’s available.

6. Cross-check with your clinician

Bring what you’ve learned printed out to your provider. The best information is that which starts a conversation, not ends it.

Why this matters to Norbella clients

As patient advocates, we see the fallout from misinformation every day — people trying unproven treatments, following dangerous online advice, or misunderstanding test results they found through a random Reddit post. Our goal is to bridge the gap between curiosity and credibility.

We help clients:

• Collect, organize, and verify their medical records for accuracy.

• Use tools like Primary Record to safely store and share their documents between providers and medical EMRs, like MyChart.

• Prepare questions to bring real evidence -  not internet rumors or Facebook support group suggestions - to their providers.

Because the right information saves more than time; it can change your care entirely.

A final reminder

The Internet isn’t the enemy — it’s the tool. But like any powerful tool, it can build or break. If you’re going to search for your symptoms, do it smartly. Vet your sources. Question your findings. And when in doubt, bring it to a trusted professional with medical training and licensure who can interpret it in the context of your health story.

At Norbella, we believe informed patients make empowered choices. Let’s replace panic-scrolling with purposeful learning — one credible source at a time.

Ready to organize your verified medical information?
Set up your secure digital medical binder at Primary Record with a special Norbella discount, and start simplifying your care today. Book a consultation today to have our team help you navigate the complexities.