Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the pervasive issue of fraudulent medical advertisements in the internet healthcare sector, emphasizing how these scams exploit patients' anxieties and desperation for treatment [7][9][42]. Summary by Sections Internet Medical Advertising Development - The year 2016 marked a significant turning point with the "Wei Zexi incident," which brought attention to the prevalence of false medical advertisements online [8][24]. - Over the years, fraudulent medical ads have evolved, becoming more sophisticated and harder to identify, transitioning from search engine bidding to social media marketing and short video platforms [19][27]. Patient Experiences and Scams - Many patients, like Sun Qiang and Wang Jie, have fallen victim to scams that promise quick relief for their ailments through online consultations with purported experts [7][16]. - The typical scam involves attracting patients through educational videos, charging a small consultation fee, and then profiting from expensive medication sales [16][18]. Psychological Factors - The article discusses how psychological factors, such as anxiety about health and appearance, drive individuals to seek out these fraudulent services, often leading to significant financial losses [37][41]. Regulatory Responses - Recent regulatory efforts have been initiated by various government bodies to combat false medical advertising, including a notice aimed at standardizing medical content on social media [42]. Industry Practices - The article reveals the existence of a gray market behind internet medical advertising, where content creators are often scripted and incentivized to promote products without genuine medical expertise [29][30]. - The rise of social media has led to the creation of numerous fake medical accounts, further complicating the landscape of online healthcare [27][31].

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the pervasive issue of fraudulent medical practices in the realm of internet healthcare, emphasizing how patients are often misled by seemingly credible online medical professionals and platforms, leading to significant financial losses and unaddressed health issues [3][4][5]. Group 1: Internet Healthcare Fraud - The rise of internet healthcare has led to an increase in fraudulent medical advertisements, with tactics evolving from search engine manipulation to social media marketing and short video platforms [4][18][34]. - Patients like Sun Qiang and Wang Jie have fallen victim to scams, believing they were consulting qualified doctors, only to find their payments directed to unlicensed clinics [3][10][15]. - The article notes that many fraudulent practices are designed to exploit patients' desperation for medical help, often leading them to pay substantial amounts for ineffective treatments [12][52]. Group 2: Evolution of Medical Advertising - The timeline of internet medical fraud began around 2014, with the emergence of deceptive weight loss products and has since evolved to include more sophisticated scams [19][27]. - The "Wei Zexi incident" in 2016 marked a significant turning point, raising awareness about the dangers of misleading medical advertisements and prompting regulatory responses [27][28]. - Despite regulations, the blending of advertisements with genuine search results continues to pose challenges in distinguishing legitimate medical information from scams [29][30]. Group 3: Psychological Impact on Patients - The article discusses how psychological factors, such as anxiety and the desire for quick solutions, drive patients to seek out potentially fraudulent medical advice [48][52]. - Many patients, like the character "Curry," experience chronic pain and are willing to try any remedy, making them susceptible to scams that promise relief [52][54]. - The emotional toll of these scams can lead to further financial and psychological distress for victims, compounding their health issues [54][56]. Group 4: Regulatory and Technological Responses - Recent regulatory efforts by Chinese authorities aim to curb the spread of false medical information and hold accountable those who impersonate medical professionals online [55]. - The article suggests that advancements in technology, particularly artificial intelligence, may help improve the accuracy of medical information and reduce the prevalence of fraudulent practices in the future [56].