Most people use the search engine to search for news, music, or whatever else that catches their fancy. But over the past few years, over 60% of people are searching for health related information, which is a staggering amount of people when you consider just how many people are online and have access to a computer. Over the past couple of years the internet has given birth to a new breed of user that consists of taking part in online communities and social communication. However, more and more people are using the internet more for diagnosis of issues and problems that they may have with themselves or other people.

The internet represents a wealth of information and is readily available for everyone to review. New research is starting to show that people are trying to self diagnose themselves whilst trying to search for content related to their issues. People are using the web to compare notes with each other about medical problems, and info related to health issues. Sometimes it's not so easy for doctors and nurses to locate the cause of a problem, or even know what the problem is in the first place, so people are taking it upon themselves to diagnose health issues, as a supplement to other health advice they may be getting from doctors.

The web allows people to post issues and problems in forums, and create special areas for people to go and express their concerns regarding a sensitive issue. Some have even set up websites for specific health issues, and even draft in SEO Internet Marketing or Search Engine Marketing firms to get exposure on the major search engines, and have traffic in the form of patients visit the site and express their deepest concerns.

Many are starting to see the benefits of this and get the help they deserve. The beauty of this way of working is that the web allows for users to share comments and issues with people in similar situations, and come to a conclusion themselves with what might be wrong. This is not only of benefit to a doctor, as it helps eliminate possible causes, but gives piece of mind for the patient as they look to get closer to finding a diagnosis to the health problem.