Gender bias in search algorithms has effect on users, new study finds: Search results can influence us in ways that reinforce social inequality
Gender-neutral internet searches yield results that nonetheless produce male-dominated output, finds a new study by a team of psychology researchers. Moreover, these search results have an effect on users by promoting gender bias and potentially influencing hiring decisions. The work, which appears in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), is among […]
Abortion Pill Web Searches Surged After Leaked SCOTUS Decision
Internet searches on abortion medication spiked to “record national highs” following the leak of the draft Supreme Court ruling on Roe v. Wade, researchers reported. In the 72 hours following the leaked draft on May 2, searches related to abortion medications were 162% (95% CI 149-175) higher than expected, with approximately 350,000 searches for abortion […]
If You’re Going To Google Your Health Symptoms, Here’s How To Do It Right
If the first thing you do when you feel a sniffle or twinge is head to the internet to try to figure out what’s going on, you’re in good company. Surveys suggest about 90% of patients Google their symptoms before they talk to their doctor. But it can, of course, quickly go awry. Mental health […]
Broadband Key to Expanding Telehealth’s Pandemic Gains, Say Experts
Telehealth can’t succeed without expanding access to affordable broadband internet, witnesses told the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation on Thursday. But extending the regulatory flexibilities around this access granted under the public health emergency, which are slated to expire when the COVID-19 pandemic subsides, is also critical, they said, stressing that the benefits […]
Self-Diagnose Anxiety: When to Seek a Medical Diagnosis
While the internet is full of self-assessment tests to self-diagnose anxiety, only a thorough clinical examination by a doctor can accurately diagnose the condition. Anxiety is a complex disorder. There are several self-assessment tests available on the internet to self-diagnose it. However, an accurate and thorough clinical examination by a doctor is important. There are […]