Hoot

A browser extension aimed at helping anyone who wants to stop using symptom checkers.

Hoot is a browser extension aimed at helping anyone who wants to stop using symptom checkers. It works a little bit like a website blocking tool, however in this case you, the user, have no control over which websites are whitelisted. The extension detects when you navigate to websites that are online symptom checkers, stopping you in your tracks with a friendly (customisable) popup, prompting you to go back. Checking symptoms online is an often distressing experience, as continuous searching for symptoms often engenders "worst case scenario" thinking, and carries with it the risk of misinformation and self-medication. Symptoms are only part of the picture. You typically need a physician to put all the pieces together, that's what they're trained to do. Hoot stops you from using symptom checkers, eliminating unnecessary worry and eventually changing your mindset with regard to self-diagnosis.