Centuries ago, witches and shamans murmured the curses with the intention of spreading diseases. Today, certain foods on social networks can have the same purpose.
We are not talking about sharing doubtful statements about quack treatments and fashion diets, but rather information that exaggerates threats to our health. Through the power of suggestion, these posts can trigger real symptoms, ranging from tics similar to Tourette to headaches, muscle pain, fainting and even cognitive deterioration.
That negative expectations can influence our health is already well established: it is called “nocbo effect” and there is a growing interest in how it can pass from person to person. Scientists have shown that the phenomenon can be highly transmissible, extending through face -to -face conversations, blogs and, most worrying, social networks.
“Online information can spread the effects of Nocbo faster and further than it has been possible,” he says Kate Faasse at the University of Nueva Wales del Sur in Sydney, Australia. “This is very afraid, given the number of people looking for health information on the Internet and through social networks in particular.”
The contagious answers of Nocébo are so common that you may have experienced yourself: was you ever witnessing someone vomiting and then felt nausea? Fortunately, recent research is offering new ways to protect us from these mental viruses.
The placebo effect is opposite
Even if you have never heard of Nocbo’s response, you will probably be familiar with your counterpart: the placebo effect. In many situations, this can make people feel better as a result of the mere expectation of relief. Taking a simulated pill presented as …
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