Mums social network their medical conditions
Busy mums are turning to the internet to diagnosing family medial problems online rather than waiting in crowded doctors surgeries for appointments.
Communication company Virgin Media, surveyed modern mums across the country, and found that 46 per cent self diagnose or research a family health issue online.
Social networking sites were found to be another popular way of discussing family issues with other mums and avoiding taking up time in the doctors.
The phemomenon known as MOMMs (Mums Online Making Mates) is showing that mother’s meetings and traditional coffee mornings are being ditched in favour of discussing parenting issues over the internet.
Family psychologist Donna Dawson said: “Many mothers feel that they don’t want to face a long wait in a doctor’s surgery and prefer to use the internet for guidance when self-diagnosing a medical problem. Virgin Media’s research shows that the internet allows women to reach out to other mums, share their experiences and ask for advice and support, creating a virtual world of like-minded people that they can dip in and out of when it’s convenient and from the comfort of their own homes. The internet has seemingly replaced the phone and the post for a lot of busy mums.”
Managing director of brand and marketing at Virgin Media, Ashley Stockwell said: “The internet is perfect way for busy mums to keep in touch with friends and family, and offers a variety of parental and health advice. With a massive range of content available through a superfast broadband connection these days, mums can find what they need at the touch of a button.”
To save mums even more time, Virgin Media has produced them a MOMMs Guide, hints, tips and advice on how to make the most of their online time.