Fifty-two million American adults, or 55% of those with Internet access, have used the Web to get health or medical information. We call them "health seekers" and a majority of them go online at least once a month for health information. More adult Americans have used the Internet to get health and medical information than have bought products online, sent or received instant messages, participated in online auctions, performed online banking, or made travel reservations. Half of health seekers say access to information on the Web has improved the way they take care of themselves many report that the material they gather directly affects their decisions about getting care and treatment for their illnesses. Of all the possible impacts of the Internet on people’s social lives, this is the most profound...