Cyberchondria and Its Effects on Anxiety during Covid-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Cyberchondria is a blend of the words cyber and hypochondriac. Social isolation with easily available information on the Internet for little or no cost created a havoc. It is an abnormal behavioral pattern in the emotional state. There were hundreds of social media groups created during the pandemic. Many people including the healthcare workers started sharing their experiences, positive and negative. It created a lot of anxiety and depression among the general population. As we already know people with anxiety and depression react and respond more to information available online without verifying the facts. Though the social media groups helped the readers with innumerable information but it had its flaws. Patients with cyberchondria increased and also the burden on healthcare systems.