Internet Hypochondria

“My mother used to say that a little bit of knowledge is a dangerous thing; the Internet demonstrates this point beautifully. Oh sure, these days everyone is concerned about the proliferation of porn, but the medical information on the Net is also widespread, disturbing and… — for those prone to, shall we say, extreme concern for their health — dangerous.” Ceinwen Giles

—Internet HypochondriaGlobe and Mail)

A little learning is a dangerous thing
Drink deep, or taste not, of the Pierian spring.
There shallow draughts intoxicate the brain;
And drinking largely sobers us again.”
— Alexander Pope, “An Essay on Criticism.”

The “Pierian Spring” is the source of the water that allows the muses to bring inspiration to authors. I never really noticed how relevant that whole passage is to the Internet.