Susannah Fox discusses national and California state survey findings. More Americans look for health information online than see a doctor on a typical day. Search engines are the starting point for health seekers, not specialized sites. Email is used for advice and support, especially for Internet users living with a chronic illness or caring for someone at home. Few health seekers verify information quality, but many use what they find. Low-income Californians buck the national trend and search for health information just as often as higher-income Californians.
