The Lewis reading argued that it is “individualized technologies like the internet that would seem to be the perfect medium for the self-managing healthy citizen” (2006). Lewis is referring to the ability of people to track, plan and manage almost every aspect of their health over the internet due to advancements in new media. In her blog post Online health information: risky business or consumer wonderland? Harbison describes the feature s of Google Health “you can store all your health information online, extra features include managing your healthcare online, setting personal goals, tracking progress and personalizing your health needs with applications and devices” (2011).
The thing that is so striking about this is the level of integration. New media has meant that the borders of work and play have been blurred. It seems natural then that health and lifestyle, a subject full of information, opinion and study has become so popular on new media. The question is, as new media becomes more integrated with our daily lives, will logging on to goggle through the computer or your smart phone to find out your meal plan, or for some quick medical tips be fast enough?
References
Lewis, T. 2006. “Seeking health information on the internet: Lifestyle choice or bad attack of cyberchondria” Media, culture & societ, volume 28, issue 4: 521-539. Accessed April 11, 2011. http://mcs.sagepub.com.ezp01.library.qut.edu.au/content/28/4/521.full.pdf+html
Harbison, J. 2011. “Online Health Information: Risky business or consumer wonderland?”, New Media Internet self and Beyond, April 10. Accessed April 11. http://jessicaharbison.wordpress.com/2011/04/10/online-health-information-risky-business-or-consumer-wonderland/
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