The reasons Aussies are hesitant to seek expert advice
By Diranne Lee-Renwick, CEO & Anni Co-Founder
In a chronically online society saturated with health and wellness information everywhere you turn, it can be hard to differentiate between what advice is sound, expert-backed or applicable to your situation.
However, despite the vast majority of Australians (86%) seeking advice, over half the population avoid consulting experts on these topics.
Instead, they turn to familiar avenues of friends, family and social media influencers. Despite the best of intentions, these avenues can be overwhelming, ill-informed and contradictory.
But why are Aussies so hesitant to seek expert advice?
A recent survey conducted by Anni revealed the reasons behind Australians’ reluctance to seek expert advice.
“Consulting experts is expensive”
In the throes of a cost of living crisis, almost a third of Aussies (29%) turn to advice available on social media, fearing that consulting experts would be expensive. This is particularly true for Gen Z, with almost half (46%) of the generation holding this view.
“I don’t have time to make appointments”
Consultations can sometimes feel like just another thing on the long list of life admin to squeeze into your lunch break or take up your weekend with. The fast pace of modern life leaves a quarter (25%) of us feeling too time-strapped to book consultations, with a third of Gen Z (36%) and Millennials (33%) feeling the pressure.
“Experts are difficult to find”
Our lives are busy, we want easy and uncomplicated. In fact, over a quarter of Australians (27%) are seeking quick and easy solutions to their problems.
“I’m embarrassed to make face-to-face appointments”
We grapple with embarrassment when it comes to face-to-face consultations. This discomfort is particularly pronounced in Gen Z, where a significant proportion struggle with the idea of face-to-face health and wellness consultations.
Time constraints, expense, embarrassment and hassle are currently stopping Aussies from accessing the true, trusted and personalised advice we all deserve.
Anni is dedicated to connecting people with experts, allowing individuals to access vetted professional advice from the comfort of their homes, accommodating their schedules and budgets.
Anni is free to join and once signed up, Members can browse, select and book appointments with Experts on a wide spectrum of topics across wellness, beauty, nutrition, fitness, parenting, and much more.
About this article:
Many Aussies are hesitant to seek expert advice due to various cultural and practical reasons. Common barriers include concerns about cost, lack of trust in professionals, and the perception that seeking advice indicates weakness. Additionally, Australians may feel they can resolve issues independently or rely on advice from friends and family. Overcoming these barriers involves raising awareness about the benefits of professional guidance, ensuring accessible and affordable services, and building trust through reliable expert consultations. By addressing these factors, more Australians can be encouraged to seek the expert advice they need.