A Post a Day Keeps the Doctor Away: Sharing Personal Information on Self-Diagnosis Platforms
Roopa Bhat, Lord Crawford, Nicole Hong
TL;DR
This study investigates why people share personal health information on self-diagnosis platforms such as Reddit and Quora. Using a mixed-methods approach (an online survey of 21 participants and in-depth interviews with posters and observers), it identifies anonymity, distrust of physicians, and prior platform experience as key drivers, with fast responses and community support as major motivators. Findings show that posters discuss highly specific or sensitive topics using non-identifiable data, and all posts occurred on Reddit, underscoring credibility and anonymity as central factors. The work provides initial, empirical insights into user populations and posting dynamics on self-diagnosis forums, with implications for privacy, platform design, and health communication strategies.
Abstract
For many, it can be intimidating or even impossible to seek professional medical help if they have symptoms of an illness. As such, some people approach platforms like Reddit or Quora for a community-based conversation in an attempt to diagnose themselves. In this paper, we unearth what motivates people to share personal health information on these platforms. From an online survey and in-depth interviews, we present who this population of users are, and what, where, and why they are posting. Our evaluation finds that tech-savvy young adults are more likely to post on online platforms about potentially sensitive or highly specific topics for convenience, fast response, and a sense of community. Most importantly, we found that anonymity, distrust of physicians, and prior experience with platforms were key factors that affected behavior.