As broadband and mobile access spreads, more people have the ability – and increasingly, the habit – of sharing what they are doing or thinking. In health care this translates to people tracking their workout routines, posting reviews of their medical treatments, and raising awareness about certain health conditions.

These are not yet mainstream activities, but there are pockets of highly-engaged patients and caregivers who are taking an active role in tracking and sharing what they have learned.

Of adults who use the internet:

• 27% of internet users, or 20% of adults, have tracked their weight, diet, exercise routine or some other health indicators or symptoms online.
• 6% of internet users, or 4% of adults, have posted comments, questions or information about health or medical issues on a website of any kind, such as a health site or news site that allows comments and discussion.
• 4% of internet users, or 3% of adults, have posted their experiences with a particular drug or medical treatment.
• 4% of internet users, or 3% of adults, have posted a review online of a doctor.
• 3% of internet users, or 2% of adults, have posted a review online of a hospital.

Of adults who use social network sites:

• 14% of social network site users, or 6% of adults, have raised money for or drawn attention to a health-related issue or cause.
• 11% of social network site users, or 5% of adults, have posted comments, queries, or information about health or medical matters.
• 9% of social network site users, or 4% of adults, have started or joined a health-related group on a social networking site.

The social life of health information is robust. The online conversation about health is being driven forward by two forces:  1) the availability of social tools and 2) the motivation, especially among people living with chronic conditions, to connect with each other.