cyberchondria

/ ˌsaɪbəˈkɒndrɪə /

noun

1. unfounded anxiety concerning the state of one's health brought on by visiting health and medical websites

Derived Forms

• ˌcyberˈchondriˌac, nounadjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of cyberchondria¹

c21: from cyber(space) + (hypo)chondria

Example Sentences

Awareness is also growing about “cyberchondria,” when people search desperately online for answers to their ailments — putting them at risk of unnecessary treatment or further distress.

From Salon

There are hours spent on the Internet that can fuel cyberchondria and constant doctor visits.

From Seattle Times

He links cyberchondria to a dysfunctional web of metacognitive beliefs, which are really just thoughts about thinking.

From Scientific American

But in cyberchondria, metacognitive beliefs morph into a mental trap that chains people to online health content.

From Scientific American

Fergus and Spada discovered that similar metacognitive beliefs propel online search habits in cyberchondria.

From Scientific American