El Internet como fuente de información sobre la salud: la visión de estudiantes de Andalucía, España

The Internet can be a useful tool for teenagers and young people in their search for, and use of information about health. The reasons for this have been described in several studies, though the extent to which young people trust the information available on the Internet varies, and the fact that they need a certain level of literacy to use the Internet continues to be a relevant factor. Both the health system and the educational system can play a basic role in terms of guidance on this subject. It is important to examine the opinions of Secondary and University students in Andalusia regarding the links between the Internet and health, the concept of health and the image that is projected on the Internet and social media with respect to young people and their health. A research study has been carried out using virtual ethnography techniques. Researchers consulted 55 Secondary education students on virtual forums and 21 University students in semi-structured video interviews. The students express a view of comprehensive health linked with habits for promoting physical and emotional health and health assets. They present a critical view of the Internet's usefulness in terms of health and of the credibility of the Internet's health content, while expressing a need for guidance and literacy. They offer an alternative, more positive opinion than the views commonly presented on social media and the Internet concerning young people's lifestyles, and they suggest that the Internet should be developed as a tool for enhancing participative conversation and learning about health. The methodology used in this study could help to validate new kinds of research and action in future health studies that focus on teenagers and young people and the Internet.