Recent scientific exploration unravels how cyberchondria develops and identifies key contributing factors. Let’s revisit traditional research on information-seeking behavior from the domain of information science. We know that information need drives information-seeking behavior, and previous studies have even found a positive association between information need and cyberchondria. So, it seems reasonable to assume that information need is the driver of cyberchondria. But what makes cyberchondria unique? Is it merely a specific type of normal information-seeking behavior?

The answer is both yes and no. Yes, health information seeking undeniably forms the core of cyberchondria. However, no, cyberchondria cannot be reduced to simple health information seeking from a rational behavior perspective. It transcends mere curiosity. Instead, it involves compulsion, obsession, and addiction—traits that align with behavioral addictions like social media addiction, gaming addiction, and Internet addiction. So, is information need still an intimate driver of cyberchondria?

Probably not. Enter health information craving, a concept related but not identical to information need. Health information craving represents an intense urge to obtain health information through online searches. This craving may be accompanied by physical and emotional responses and poor control over behavioral engagement. In the context of cyberchondria, this craving fuels the relentless pursuit of health-related knowledge.

Health information craving manifests in two distinct aspects. First, there’s the positive reinforcing component—an anticipation of desirable outcomes linked to immediate health information seeking. Second, we encounter the negative reinforcing aspect, which involves aversive expectations associated with refraining from such seeking. These two facets intertwine to form the overarching construct of health information craving.

The difference between health information craving and health information need lies in their focus. The former captures the rewarding experience and the difficulties controlling seeking behaviors—traits closely related to the concept of addiction. In contrast, the latter emphasizes the sheer quantity of information an individual requires or the gaps in their understanding.

In a subsequent experiment, researchers discovered that health information craving plays a pivotal role in shaping an individual’s propensity for cyberchondria. It acts as an indispensable variable, fully mediating the impact of risk induction on cyberchondria tendencies. Imagine this: when people encounter information about a higher risk of COVID-19 contagion, their perceived risk escalates. Consequently, their health information craving intensifies, propelling them toward a heightened state of cyberchondria.

Health information craving may serve as a stronger force than health information need in the development of cyberchondria. Now, the intriguing question arises: What is the relationship between health information need and health information craving? Given their similar theoretical origins, understanding whether health information need evolves into health information craving—and how it evolves—promises to be a fascinating journey.

Such exploration will further our understanding of the very familiar topic of information-seeking behavior and build a channel of communication between information science and clinical psychology. Indeed, cyberchondria is not a topic solely for either information science or clinical psychology. It is a significant social issue and requires joint efforts from various disciplines.

Want to know more about health information craving? Please read the papers available at IPM-Information Processing & Management-via the links: conceptualization of health information craving, and how risk triggers cyberchondria via health information craving.