Why do people pretend to be physicians on the internet and endanger people's lives?

Question

Why do people pretend to be physicians on the internet and endanger people's lives? Case in point: http://answers.yahoo.com/my/profile?show=XUfdxfQtaa

A cursory review of the answers she has posted (and many of her questions) will show that her medical training is limited to re-runs of House MD and Scrubs. Not only is it illegal to impersonate a physician, it's downright DANGEROUS. I worry for some of the teenagers on here asking for medical advice and receiving it from someone like this.

Answer 1

People pretend to be someone else because it's fun, and it makes them feel better about themselves. I pretends to be a Hair Stylist because more people are out to listen to a Hair Stylist then just some random girl.

And my advice isn't bad. I have been through experiences, read things, asked questions, heard information. I doubt that she is actually endangering someone. If her advice helped that person, then let that person be happy. Television shows also show a lot of knowledge on how to do things.

If you really think its a problem then report her. Personally I wouldn't. Her answers/advice seems fair and safe. And it seems like she helps out a lot of people. You don't have to be a doctor, to know what doctors know.  

Answer 2

Because they are after the all important points. Therefore they will claim to be anything if it gets them the all important points and five minutes of fame. As for teenagers? Nothing can replace a visit to a Doctor. Likewise many people on here post questions that are also fictitious, spot them a mile away. However for those people who have experience, have a chronic condition that they have to live with, they can be helpful in stating what they have been through thereby helping others. Best of Luck

Answer 3

I think you just violated community guidelines along with the first answerer.   People who are Asian or Latin American are easily picked up on here by their spelling mistakes and I would say she is Asian.  I see nothing wrong with her answers especially the one sited above.

As Dr Frank commented (I'm sure you have come across him on here) asking for health advise on YA is like talking to a bunch of mates at your local about something that is troubling you - you can agree with it or toss it.  I think you under estimate a lot of teenagers.

Are you looking for glory for your self ?

Why don't you email the person in question privately and advise her if something really bothers you.  Or are you not confident enough.

Answer 4

You're right . This is one example of her answers: judge for yourself.

dnt worry hun your question is not gross,

have you been through puberty yet? all you can do is wait...unless you want to get a plastic surgeon...which i dnt think u wanna do! your proplary too young for that...just wait..one day you will wake up and realise ..omg! what are these things on my chest!

Her spelling is outrageous  for a Dr.  

Cest La Vie !!!!

I'm a  worked in ICU for many, many yrs.  When I answer a question, I also do research to support to back up something I already know.