Internet is top resource for health info, social media gaining popularity

The internet is by far the most popular source of health information for people in the US, according to iCrossing data reported by Marketing Charts.

According to the study of more than 1000 adults, 59% use online resources to obtain health and wellness information, compared to 55% who go to their doctors and 29% who say they talk to relatives, friends or co-workers.

When it comes to the sources of health information that people believe are most trustworthy, however, doctors and other health professionals still come out on top, being the preferred choice of 77% of those surveyed. Internet resources, however, are considered by respondents more trustworthy than friends, co-workers, pharmaceutical companies or television.

And the emerging source of health information is online social networks. Over 30% of health searchers said they used social networks or forums to inform themselves about health-related topics, with Wikipedia the most leading destination. Social media holds a particular appeal for 18 to 34-year-old health searchers, the survey found.