Implications of Internet technology for medical sociology in the new millennium

Internet technology is changing the way individuals gather information, int eract with others, and organize their time. This technology has implication s for research in medical sociology in the new millennium. This study discu sses the background and usage estimates of Internet technology and how this technology affects individuals gathering of health information. Potential consequences of this technology for patient-provider interactions are also examined, as are the implications of Internet communication for social supp ort and health. Current measures of social support may be underestimating t he effects of social support on health by not assessing the influence of su pport garnered through communications on the Internet. The Internet also pr esents a variety of new research venues that medical sociologists should pu rsue. Two of these possibilities-on line surveys and analysis of online com munication and text-are discussed. Although the Internet is increasing rese arch opportunities for medical sociologists, the fact that a digital divide still exists with regard to Internet access and use cannot be ignored.