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The Internet And Structural Functionalism : Internet Based Information On Health And Medicine

Decent Essays

Many people use the internet to find health information for themselves, family and friends. The internet allows people to research, learn about illnesses, talk to others and order prescription medication. These may be beneficial but can also lead to complications. A structural functionalist would feel that internet based information on health or medicine is misleading and not helpful. Through the Structural functionalism lens, one can see that the internet cannot replace a doctor because not all websites are accurate and everybody reacts differently to different treatments. Structural functionalism is the view that society is a harmonized system consisting of interdependent functioning parts that become more complex as societies become more developed.
Health and medicine are important for a society to run smoothly. The internet can be very dangerous. First of all, one does not know who is putting this information on the internet and many illnesses have similar symptoms but need different treatments. It is not always easy to decide what is reliable. 80% of internet users go online to find health related information. Many people rely and trust the internet which makes them sicker. When one is unhealthy, it leads to them not being able to perform their role in society and become exempt from normal obligations. Doctors play a vital role in keeping people healthy and productive in our society. People tend to believe what they read on the internet. But as we have learned

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