Unraveling Cyberchondria Amidst the COVID-19 Era: A Comparative Literature Review

Abstract

Seeking health-related information online is a widespread practice embraced by individuals spanning various age brackets. Cyberchondria, characterized by a notable surge in apprehensions related to perceived symptoms driven by online search outcomes, has become increasingly prevalent. Notably, amid the pandemic, there has been a substantial surge in individuals scouring the internet for symptom-related information. Consequently, a prevailing challenge during the COVID-19 outbreak revolves around the inundation of information on the digital sphere. The sheer volume of available data has resulted in an overwhelming influx of health-related content, contributing significantly to the complexities of navigating accurate information amidst the online landscape. This study endeavors to elucidate the evolutionary trajectory of cyberchondria research by comparing and contrasting the landscape of studies conducted before and after the advent of the pandemic. Through an in-depth analysis, it seeks to discern the distinct shifts, advancements, and emerging patterns in the exploration of cyberchondria. By examining the pre-pandemic era's scholarly discourse juxtaposed against the post-outbreak investigations, this research aims to uncover nuanced variations, potential transformations in methodologies, and the evolving dimensions within the sphere of cyberchondria. By contextualizing the alterations in the scope, focus, and implications of these studies, this analysis strives to provide a comprehensive understanding of the impact of the pandemic on cyberchondria-related research, thereby shedding light on its ever-evolving nature.