I found DocJohn's blog entry interesting. I wanted to add my two cents.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

<a href="http://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2006/10/30/few-consumers-check-source-of-online-health-information/">
Few Consumers Check Source of Online Health Information</a>
by John M. Grohol, Psy.D.
October 30, 2006

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

I think the majority of online users are internet illiterate. Just because it's almost 2007 doesn't mean most online users know how to use a search engine. Hoping online users will verify their source of info online is asking a lot.

I have talked to many of my friends and family back home, and they are clueless how to search info online. These people have been connected to the internet for over 5 years.

Other examples include: some don't know what a message board (or support forum) or what a weblog (or blog) is and so many AOL users don't know how to go beyond the functions of AOL.

It still amazes me my old coworkers didn't know how to access a search engine. They couldn't understand the difference between intranet and internet. I'd explain it over and over and yet they'd still be stuck in and on one or the other.

I went to visit my favorite coworker (an executive's secretary) this week and told her to go to Google and type in "patent" to find the United States Patent and Trademark Office Home Page. Do you know what she typed into the Google search box? (giggle) She typed "google patent." Oh my goodness gracious! She's been using the internet since the year 2000. I've helped her search things online so many times in the past. Why doesn't she learn by now?

I've met so many people like her. I think they are afraid of the internet.

I'd be interested in reading the results of an internet literacy survey. How many people know how to access Google, Yahoo, or other search engines? How many people know how to do an advanced search? How many people know how to find WebMD or even know what WebMD is all about? How many venture to international domains?