Is it stupid to ask people on the net about things you should ask a professional?

Question

For example:
medical advice, anything relating to laws in any given place, etc.

I'm referring to people who are asking if they should take certain meds, if they should follow their doctor's advice, etc.

Answer 1

Yes I think it may be.

I am a pharmacist and I try to answer the drug realted questions with clear simple answers that I know are both correct and proper. But you don't know if I actually am a pharmacist, I could be someone who writes convincingly who has no idea what they are talking about.

Also in some threads I have seen simply incorrect or potentially harmful information. In almost ALL cases the best answer would be to seek the help or advice of a professional that you know has the correct knowledge and that you can trust!

Answer 2

Yes and no. Its not stupid to seek advice from people who may have experienced what you have or at least have a story about it. Because everyone is different so different circumstances can occure with different people so it gives you a broad range of things to consider. Yet on the other hand if it is an actually important question such as health etc if you are conserned about something you should definatly take it to a proffessional as well and do not act upon any ideas given to you via internet chats and forums etc. until you consult the proffessional.

Answer 3

Yes and NO.

Yes, it is stupid because people know the answers already and they just need confirmation. They are just looking for a parallel in someone else's experience and hopefully, it will help.

No, because they actually do not know where to turn to. It is a cry for help and to make matters worse, they do not have the money.
By asking many, they can get a consensus as to what to do.

Problem is, many pose as professionals and give advise. The asker is an adult (hope) and so they should know who to trust who not to.

Answer 4

I love this question, because of the debate going on in this forum about it.

It's not stupid for people to seek advice and suggestions. Even a question like, " I have this big, green, smelly hole in my belly, is this something that should concern me?" is still not as stupid as one might think. It means that someone is worried and want's to get his/her "There, There." strokes.

Just learning that someone else has shared the dilemma can help one feel better. OF COURSE, someone should seek professional advice. Even if this need not be said, surely, someone will say it.

Answer 5

Sometimes. Personally I think it depends on the "asker". If you can ask a serious question with an amount of intelligence, I think you will find like answers from some of the same like minded people here on "answers".

Of course, on the other end of the spectrum, There is times it has looked like Jerry Springer in writing on here.

Answer 6

I can't think of many times when it is stupid to ask something.

The stupidity comes in following advice from someone you may not know.

Please be careful.

Answer 7

Probably, but some people can't afford a professional to get an answer from. Also they may not want to wait to see a professional in order to get their answer.

Answer 8

I think so...what kills me is I see about 100 "could I be pregnant" questions and I feel like telling each and everyone of them to go take a freaking pregnancy test...how hard is it to read 1 line for no and 2 for yes...geez

Answer 9

i don't think it stupid, but you have to remember the source of the answers and get medical help, its ok to try to get ideas of what MIGHT be wrong, as long as people follow up with medical professionals

Answer 10

No, I think you shouldn't do it INSTEAD of asking professional but its nice to know that you aren't the only one who is having that problem.