Table 1.

Summary of advantages and disadvantages of search results versus community responses to questions posted to an online diabetes community.

Type of question		Advantages	Disadvantages
Search results
	Fact
		Provides some answers to the questions.	Does not always provide an answer to questions posed.
		Provides an overview of the subject.	If question is answered, it could be only a partial response.
		Multiple websites provide a wide range of information.	Can provide irrelevant responses.
		External links can route health information seekers to various resources.	Can answer out of the context it is posed in (ie, out of a diabetes context).
		Responses from reputed websites, such as the American Diabetes Association, can be assumed to be accurate.	Accuracy of responses is not always known.
		Provides a test to help posters determine their answer (eg, a prediabetes test).	Websites can contain large amount of content, thereby preventing easy location of response.
			Some results are commercials for products, leading to biased information.
			Does not answer unusual questions.
	Policy
		Gives access to the discussion and conversation pages related to the question posed.	Some results do not answer the question directly, leaving the question poser to make extrapolations.
		Provides step-by-step responses to the questions posed (eg, ways to lose baby weight).	Some results do not provide required answers, ie, are irrelevant.
		Provides external resources to relevant information.	Some results answer questions partially or tangentially.
		Provides the next steps for poster (eg, next steps of having a diabetes diagnosis).	Websites can contain a large amount of content, thereby preventing easy location of response.
		Provides access to social media results, such as Facebook, showcasing similar cases.	Some results are commercials, leading to biased information.
	Value
		Some responses answer questions precisely.	Some results do not provide required answers, ie, are irrelevant.
		Some results provide a good overview of the question topic.	Some results answer questions partially or tangentially.
		Some responses discuss side effects from credible sources.	Website can be very large and contain a lot of content, thereby preventing easy location of response.
		The comments sections of webpages help discuss the subject.	Some results are commercials, leading to biased information.
		Answers differentiate between myths and facts of the subject.
		Question-and-answer pages help answer poster’s question.
		Some pages lead to product reviews that help answer the question.
		User experiences and encouragement on different result pages help alleviate poster’s nervousness.
		Some results back up claims through statistical evidence.
Community responses
	Fact
		Provides personal experiences, opinions, and anecdotes.	Some questions do not get responses.
		Advises poster to visit a health professional.	Cannot check accuracy of responses.
		Provides examples and external resources.	Question may be deferred to a health professional, thereby delaying response.
		Provides compliments and reassurances for the difficult time the poster is going through.	Some questions are answered only partially.
		Alerts poster of potential dangers (including those from other people’s responses).	Cannot answer due to liability of the forum.
		Redirects to a person or resource with more information.	Does not always provide a complete or relevant response.
		Provides alternative options, external resources, and potential talking points to discuss with one’s health care professional.	Some responses are irrelevant or potentially dangerous.
	Policy
		Responses stress the dangers of the situation.	Some questions do not get responses.
		Provides tips or solutions to resolve issue.	No way to check accuracy of responses.
		Provides personal experiences, opinions, and anecdotes.	Some questions are answered only partially.
		Advises poster to visit a health care professional.	Some responses are not in line with other responders.
		Provides home remedies.
		Detects emergency cases.
	Value
		Some results help posters be wary of latest trends.	Some questions do not get responses or are irrelevant.
		Some results provide effects and side effects along with insights about how this information was found.
		Alerts poster to potential dangers.	No way to check accuracy of responses.
		Provides personal experiences, opinions, and anecdotes.	Some questions are answered only partially.
		Provides tips or solutions to resolve issue.
		Advises poster to visit a health care professional.
		Responses help clear misinformation for poster.
		Redirects to a person or resource with more information.
		Provides reassurances and encouragement to poster.