More than twice as many Americans went online for health information than in 2000. But the surprise is that the Web is rarely the only resource. Most people use online research to supplement, not replace, advice delivered by a health professional—and by family and friends. "Don't count out Doctor Mom," says Pew Associate Director Susannah Fox, who wrote the June report.

But sharing personal health information online hasn't caught on. While 41 percent of those polled said they had read about other people's experiences on an online newsgroup, website, or blog, just 6 percent had posted comments, queries, or research. When it comes to health information, seemingly we're still mostly a nation of lurkers.