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Mayo Clinic Connect is an online community that connects people. In the About Connect blog, find out more about members, mentors and the community. Meet the Mayo Clinic moderators and learn how the community is managed. Review the community guidelines and learn how you can get the most from your Connect experience. Follow the About Connect blog to get updates about members and the community.

Public blog

Community Guidelines

Mayo Clinic Connect is a public website, moderated by Mayo Clinic staff. It connects people to share and learn from each other’s health experiences. See why and how we moderate Mayo Clinic Connect.

The Community Guidelines are rules of conduct all members are expected to follow to keep the Mayo Clinic Connect community safe, supportive, inclusive, and respectful.

1. Share your story, not medical advice.

  • Share your own experiences. But do not tell others what they should do.
  • Experience does not replace professional medical advice. It does not replace a diagnosis. It does not replace treatment. See the fullDisclaimer.
  • Do not ignore professional medical advice. Do not delay seeking medical advice.

Mayo Clinic provides high-quality, expertly developed health information. For verified health information, visit www.mayoclinic.org.

2. Understand a post may be removed if it doesn’t follow the guidelines.

Medical tips or information may be removed if a member:

  • Tells someone else what to do.
  • Tries to diagnose someone else.
  • Makes a medical statement beyond their own experience.
  • States something as a fact or makes a claim without proper references.
  • Spreads false information about unproven treatments.
  • Posts a message created by AI without saying so (see below).
  • Shares information not based on evidence. Shares information that does not come from a medical expert.

3. Use AI responsibly.

Alternate: AI (artificial intelligence) tools can help answer questions. These systems collect data and use it to provide simple answers. But the information AI tools provide is not always accurate.

If you share information from AI tools, follow these guidelines:

  • Share your real-life, first-hand experiences before you add AI content.
  • Make conversation with others a priority over AI-generated replies.
  • Always fact-check AI content. You are responsible for the accuracy and relevancy of your posts.
  • Ask your AI tool to provide sources and citations.
  • If you use AI, use only short, specific quotes from AI along with your personal experience. Avoid long AI-only posts.
  • Include the question (prompt) you asked the AI tool.
  • Edit AI content to avoid errors, biases or unfair assumptions.
  • Be transparent if you use AI text to create your post. For example:
    • “This post was generated by AI with some human edits. Please check for accuracy.”

4. Respect all members.

  • Use polite, respectful language. Profanity, offensive words and abuse towards members are not allowed.
  • Show respect for members even when you do not share their views.
  • Disagreements are fine. But mutual respect is essential.
  • Be aware that sarcasm, irony and jokes often are misunderstood.
  • Avoid typing in ALL CAPS, as it is considered shouting.
  • Be inclusive. Not everyone shares the same backgrounds, beliefs or viewpoints.
  • Do not impose personal beliefs on others.
  • Avoid comments — even as a joke — that may target any group of people.
  • Personal attacks against members or healthcare professionals are not acceptable. They will be removed.

5. Stay on topic and be clear.

  • Create clear, descriptive titles when you start a new discussion.
  • Titles may be edited for clarity and spelling.
  • Keep the focus on the topic being discussed.

6. Keep politics out of the community conversations.

  • Do not post political opinions or news. The focus of this community is health.
  • Political posts are removed.

7. Avoid commercial postings and solicitations.

  • Do not use commercial postings or self-promotion. Do not use advertisements. Do not solicit.
  • Because it is not possible to verify all fundraising efforts, requests for donations are not allowed.
  • Do not use posts or profiles that promote businesses, personal coaching or medical practice. They will be removed.
  • Do not post used medical devices or unused medications for sale or to give away.

8. Follow legal and copyright guidelines.

  • Do not use Mayo Clinic Connect for any illegal purpose.
  • Do not post copyrighted text. Do not use images or private information without permission.
  • Always acknowledge sources.

9. Protect yourself and others.

  • Connect is a public forum. Do not post personal information about yourself or others. This includes phone numbers, email and mailing addresses, patient numbers (MRN) and social security numbers.
  • You do not have to use your full name or real name.
  • Before you share images, remove personal details that may identify you.
  • Do not share images of genitalia.
  • Do not share your password with anyone.

10. Report misinformation.

Mayo Clinic Connect uses both technology and member reports to identify and remove content that violates guidelines. If you see a post that seems false or misleads, report it.

11. Report fake accounts and spam.

  • Do not claim to be someone you are not.
  • Do not claim a false affiliation.

Spammers sometimes create fake accounts. If you suspect a post is not from a real person, report it.

12. Follow all rules.

  • You are responsible for the accuracy, originality and quality of your posts.
  • By posting to Mayo Clinic Connect, you agree to abide by our Terms of Use.
  • We agree to protect your privacy. See our Privacy Policy.

How to report a post:

    1. Click the three dots (…) in the lower right corner of the comment.
    2. Select Report comment.
    3. Write the reason for the report and click SUBMIT.

For journalists

Journalists should send requests for interviews to Mayo Clinic media relations. Use bureau.mayo@mayo.edu.

For researchers

Solicitations for research must be Mayo Clinic- and IRB-approved. Requests for product reviews, such as feedback on apps, devices, and so forth, are not allowed without prior consent. Submit your request for review to the Community Director.

Disclaimer

All information shared by members on the Mayo Clinic Connect, such as messages, images, advice, URLs, and any other material, is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your health. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on the community.