In the national survey, adults were asked which group is more helpful when they need certain types of information or support: health professionals like doctors and nurses or peers like fellow patients, friends, and family. The pattern of their responses was pretty clear: When the issue involved technical issues related to a health issue, professionals held sway. When the issue involved more personal issues of how to cope with a health issue or get quick relief, then non-professionals were preferred by most patients.

Many people find the internet to be a valuable tool, whether they are using it to search for a quick answer or gain a deeper understanding of a new treatment option or prescription. As one respondent in the online survey commented, "When time is of the essence, search on the internet is the only way to time travel." The internet is also, as this study shows, a way to tap into our instincts to gather together, help other people, and be helped ourselves.