More
people are turning to ChatGPT and other AI tools for health questions. The
answers are fast, and they often sound reassuring and trustworthy, but Consumer Reports warns they aren’t always accurate.
If you’re concerned about your health, AI chatbots such as
ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot and Google Gemini promise detailed answers in
seconds. One survey found 17% of adults ask AI chatbots health questions
at least once a month.
“There are a lot of reasons you might go to a
chatbot for answers,” explained Kevin Loria, a health reporter for Consumer Reports. ” They can be quite good at generating a lot of information,
and they’re very comprehensive and easy to understand.”
However, experts say these chatbots aren’t always reliable. They
can make up facts or mix up important details while confidently presenting
their answers as correct information. It’s really hard to know when there are
inaccuracies, and these systems do get things wrong. We know that to be true.
Fabrications can be hard to detect.
People tend to over-trust AI-generated medical
advice, a recent study found. Many respondents couldn’t tell the difference
between an AI-generated answer and one from a real doctor.
There are privacy concerns, too. AI systems are not
bound by the same privacy laws as your doctor’s offices. That means whatever
information you tell a chatbot could be used, sold, or even stolen in a data
breach.
Consumer Reports’ advice is to use AI as a starting point
for information, not for diagnosis or treatment. Keep your sensitive personal
health information private, and always verify what you learn using trusted
sources such as MedlinePlus, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or
a recognized medical organization.
If you have questions that affect how you act on your own health, talk to your doctor. Chatbots should
never be used in a medical emergency. Always call 911 for immediate help.