Sick--and Tired--of the Same TV, Americans Want WebMD Equivalent on Daytime Television

>According to the New York Times, Americans are turning to daytime television, in addition to the Internet, to get health information they can use--from none other than the former ABC drama star of Bachelor fame, Travis Stark. At least he actually IS a doctor, and doesn't just play one on TV.

18doctor3_190.jpg

But it would appear to be what's in high demand. WebMD, according to Alexa.com, the authoritative source for web traffic on the Internet, says that the health information website is ranked 728 of ALL websites on the Internet and accounts for 1% of all web traffic in the world. That's a lot of health information seeking. A lot.

By comparison, The Doctors' two million visitors per day doesn't really seem to compare, even to Oprah's three times as many daily viewers (according to at least one source).

Even so, a show dedicated completely to health information on daytime TV does demonstrate that the demand for health information is growing--and shows no signs of going away. The show's audience has only grown since September. I've yet to see the show myself (or the Bachelor, from which the show's star hales)...but perhaps it's worth a watch.

Summer Johnson, PhD

contribute a comment

Your contributions to the conversation are very much appreciated. We do have a few simple guidelines, though. Be civil. Stay on topic. We reserve the right to remove comments that violate the aforementioned guidelines. One more thing: comments are moderated, so it may take a little while for your comment to be posted. Thanks.

what is this?

A 'Nature Top 50' science blog by the editors, staff and friends of The American Journal of Bioethics. Science writes: "To follow the latest twists in ... science stories with social impact, dive into this Web log"

The original story behind this blog

What people are saying about blog.bioethics.net

recently on blog.bioethics.net

Is Hope a Culprit in Cancer Clinical Trials?

A recent study conducted by Emory University School of Medicine found that therapeutic misconception is alive and well in Phase I cancer research. According to... (more)

Gingrich on IVF: Bad for Families, Bad for Bioethics

Scientists, reproductive specialists and andrologists had better prepare. If Newt Gingrich has his way (and wins the Presidency), he will have a whole new world... (more)

Canadians have Bieber Fever...For Organ Donation

Yes, it's true. Bieber Fever has spread far and wide. But it isn't just tweens who are following the pop star, Justin Bieber's, every move.... (more)

Caplan: Say No to Sterilization, Forced Abortion

Art Caplan discusses a troubling case regarding a 32-year-old pregnant woman known as "Mary Moe" who is pregnant for the third time and who suffers... (more)

Rallying Around Amelia: A Debate on Disability

The blogosphere and the airwaves are filled with indignation regarding what has happened to Amelia Rivera, a three year old who has a rare genetic... (more)

this blog's feed

  • Subscribe
    • XML
    • Google Reader or Homepage
    • Add to My Yahoo!
    • Subscribe with Bloglines
    • Subscribe in NewsGator Online
    • Add to My AOL
    • Convert RSS to PDF
    • Add to Technorati Favorites!
    • Add to your phone
    • Get RSS Buttons

info

archives

tags