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The “Dr Google” Effect: Online Health Information and Its Implications

Author

Listed:
  • Paolo Berta

    (University of Milano-Bicocca)

  • Carla Guerriero

    (University of Naples Federico II and CSEF)

  • Sara Moccia

    (University of Naples Federico II.)

  • Sara Muzzi

    (University of Milan-Bicocca)

  • Lorien Sabatino

    (Politecnico of Torino (DIGEP))

Abstract

This paper investigates the causal impact of broadband diffusion on the consumption of diagnostic medical services in Lombardy, Italy, between 2013 and 2019. Using a difference-in-differences estimator for continuous treatments, we estimate the impact of increased internet availability on patient behavior in the healthcare system. Our findings suggest that greater broadband coverage leads to a significant rise in the number of diagnostic prescriptions, including magnetic resonance imaging scans, tomographs, and sonograms. We interpret this pattern as consistent with a behavioral mechanism: individuals with enhanced internet access are more likely to search for health information online, which may trigger anxiety or precautionary responses, ultimately increasing demand for medical testing. Boxplot analyses reveal a strong gradient across broadband coverage quartiles, reinforcing the association between digital access and healthcare utilization. These results raise important considerations for health policy, particularly regarding digital health literacy and the design of interventions to manage demand in digitally connected health systems.

Suggested Citation

  • Paolo Berta & Carla Guerriero & Sara Moccia & Sara Muzzi & Lorien Sabatino, 2025. "The “Dr Google” Effect: Online Health Information and Its Implications," CSEF Working Papers 763, Centre for Studies in Economics and Finance (CSEF), University of Naples, Italy.
    • Handle: RePEc:sef:csefwp:763
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Alessia D’Andrea & Patrizia Grifoni & Fernando Ferri, 2023. "Online Health Information Seeking: An Italian Case Study for Analyzing Citizens’ Behavior and Perception," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(2), pages 1-25, January.
    2. Di Novi, Cinzia & Kovacic, Matija & Orso, Cristina Elisa, 2024. "Online health information seeking behavior, healthcare access, and health status during exceptional times," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 220(C), pages 675-690.
    3. Suziedelyte, Agne, 2012. "How does searching for health information on the Internet affect individuals' demand for health care services?," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 75(10), pages 1828-1835.
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    JEL classification:

    • I18 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Government Policy; Regulation; Public Health
    • I12 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health Behavior

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