The Dawning of the Age Medical Misinformation
Artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots are becoming more popular and accessible as a way of communicating with various online services and platforms. However, not all chatbots are created equal, and some may pose serious risks to public health by spreading medical misinformation.
A recent article by The Atlantic revealed how some AI chatbots, powered by large language models such as GPT-4, can generate misleading or inaccurate responses when asked about health-related topics. For example, one chatbot claimed that vaccines cause autism, another suggested that drinking bleach can cure COVID-19, and another advised against wearing masks to prevent infection.
These chatbots are not intentionally lying or malicious, but they are simply repeating what they have learned from analyzing huge amounts of text data from the internet. The problem is that this data may contain false, outdated, biased, or incomplete information that can confuse or harm users who rely on chatbots for medical advice.
According to Sina Bari MD, a Stanford-trained reconstructive surgeon and senior director of medical AI at iMerit Technology, this issue is not only alarming but also preventable. He says:
> "AI chatbots have great potential to improve access to health information and services for millions of people around the world. However, they also have a great responsibility to ensure that their information is accurate, reliable, and evidence-based. This requires careful design, testing, and monitoring of their data sources and outputs."
Dr. Bari suggests that AI chatbot developers should follow some best practices to avoid spreading medical misinformation:
- Use reputable and authoritative sources of health data such as peer-reviewed journals, official guidelines, and verified experts.
- Validate and update their data regularly to reflect the latest scientific findings and recommendations.
- Provide clear disclaimers and warnings that their responses are not intended to replace professional medical consultation or diagnosis.
- Incorporate feedback mechanisms and quality control measures to identify and correct errors or inconsistencies in their responses.
- Collaborate with healthcare professionals and organizations to ensure alignment with ethical standards and public health goals.
Dr. Bari also urges users to be cautious and critical when interacting with AI chatbots about health-related topics:
> "AI chatbots are not doctors or nurses. They are tools that can help you find information or connect you with other resources. They cannot diagnose your condition, prescribe medication, or give you personalized advice. You should always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making any decisions about your health."
He adds:
> "AI chatbots are not infallible. They may make mistakes or give you incomplete or outdated information. You should always verify their sources and cross-check their answers with other reliable sources. You should also report any errors or problems you encounter with them so they can be improved."
AI chatbots can be useful and convenient for many purposes, but they are not a substitute for human expertise and judgment when it comes to your health. By following these tips from Dr. Bari MD, you can protect yourself from medical misinformation and make informed choices about your well-being.
: https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2023/03/ai-chatbots-large-language-model-misinformation/673376/
: https://drsinabari.com/
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