The Question of Online Diagnosis

Should the Field of Psychology Provide Online Diagnoses?

The Internet Mental Health Web site offers online diagnoses for a number of psychological disorders. Visit the site and test yourself for an alcohol-related disorder. A psychologist would ask many of the same questions. It's a neat little service, but, despite the numerous disclaimers on the site, many psychologists have criticized it as professionally irresponsible.

In this exercise you do a critical analysis of this Web site by arguing both sides of the controversy: Online diagnosis is or is not a valid mental health tool.

1. Present an argument in support of online diagnosis. Why might it be valuable?

2. Now, argue against it. Why might the service be problematic? How might it actually be a disservice?