The Use of Websites and Modern Apps (i.e.: Ask PCOS, Ask Early Menopause, EndoZone)

Abstract

Access to unprecedented information at finger tips has both benefits and drawback. In this talk I examine the transformative role of websites and mobile apps in access to, and the delivery of health information, specifically in reproductive and endometriosis healthcare. It sheds light on the challenges and solutions. The talk is organised in two parts. Initially, I delve into search engines and social media, illuminating the role of social algorithms in health information distribution. While these algorithms have made information more accessible, they often prioritize commercial interests over medical accuracy. By using examples like YourFertility and Endozone, I outline an alternative health-focused algorithm design, which prioritise accurate, reliable health information. Next, I shift the focus to mobile apps and wearables. These tools are easily integrated into our daily routines and collect user data continuously. The challenge here is to separate the wheat from the chaff - to identify quality resources from a vast pool of options, while also addressing issues of data overreach, highlighting the need for regulation. I will explore a case study demonstrating the potential of apps for micro-level observation and intervention. By tailoring micro-interventions based on user biometric fluctuations within daily contexts, apps can transform how we approach self-management.