More people are turning to generative AI tools to seek answers about their health. ChatGPT, one of the most widely available AI chatbots, has gained popularity for providing clear, accessible information. While AI can make medical knowledge more available to the general public, the accuracy of its responses varies. A recent review of studies found that generative AI tools are increasingly capable of answering basic health questions, but their reliability diminishes when handling complex medical issues.
Generative AI offers immense potential for health education. It allows users to explore symptoms, conditions, and medical terms without the need to visit a doctor or sift through lengthy articles. However, AI-generated responses are not always correct. Depending on these tools for health advice can lead to misinformation, unnecessary worry, or even risky health decisions. AI remains a developing technology, with frequent updates and adjustments affecting the quality of its responses.
A recent study in Australia examined how people use ChatGPT for health inquiries. Researchers surveyed a nationally representative group of over 2,000 Australians in June 2024. Their findings revealed that 9.9% of respondents had used ChatGPT for health-related questions in the first half of the year. While the participants expressed a moderate level of trust in the chatbot’s responses—rating it an average of 3.1 out of 5—certain demographics relied on it more than others.
The study showed that people with lower health literacy, those born in non-English-speaking countries, and individuals who spoke another language at home were more likely to turn to ChatGPT for health advice. This trend suggests that AI may serve as an alternative information source for people who struggle with traditional healthcare communication. Language barriers and difficulty understanding medical terminology may drive these individuals to seek AI-generated answers in simpler, more accessible language.
Many users turned to ChatGPT to learn about medical conditions, interpret symptoms, and understand medical jargon. Others asked about possible actions to take for their health concerns. The study found that 61% of users had asked at least one question that typically requires clinical expertise. This indicates that people may be seeking AI’s guidance for issues that should be addressed by healthcare professionals.
When ChatGPT interprets symptoms, it can provide general insights, but it lacks the ability to diagnose conditions accurately. The AI operates by analyzing vast amounts of text-based data, but it does not have the capacity to conduct medical tests or consider individual health histories. This limitation poses a risk, as incorrect interpretations could lead people to panic unnecessarily or ignore symptoms that require immediate medical attention.
One key concern is that AI-generated health information is not always grounded in evidence-based medicine. While ChatGPT pulls from extensive sources, it does not verify whether all the information aligns with medical best practices. Some responses may be outdated, misleading, or inconsistent with professional healthcare guidelines. The rapid evolution of medical knowledge means that even seemingly accurate AI responses may not reflect the most recent advancements in medicine.
Medical professionals worry that overreliance on AI could contribute to self-diagnosis and self-medication without proper oversight. When people believe they have found an answer through AI, they may delay or entirely avoid seeking advice from qualified healthcare providers. This can lead to complications if an undiagnosed condition worsens over time.
Despite these risks, AI-driven health tools hold potential benefits when used correctly. If people approach generative AI as a supplement rather than a replacement for medical expertise, they can use it to enhance their understanding of health-related topics. AI can help individuals prepare for doctor visits by equipping them with relevant questions, breaking down complex terms, and explaining general health concepts in simple language.
To navigate the rise of AI-driven health inquiries, experts emphasize the importance of “AI health literacy.” People must learn how to assess the reliability of AI-generated information and recognize when to seek professional medical advice. Understanding that AI is not infallible can prevent the spread of misinformation and encourage more informed decision-making.
As generative AI continues to evolve, it will likely play a larger role in shaping how people access and interpret health information. However, the need for human medical expertise remains crucial. While AI can serve as a useful tool, it cannot replace the nuanced understanding, clinical judgment, and personalized care that trained healthcare professionals provide.
Generative AI’s role in healthcare continues to expand as more people integrate it into their daily lives. Beyond symptom-checking and medical term explanations, some individuals use AI chatbots to seek mental health support. They ask questions about stress, anxiety, and coping mechanisms, hoping for immediate, judgment-free guidance. While AI can offer general strategies for managing emotions, it lacks the ability to provide personalized psychological care. Without context, it may suggest solutions that are ineffective or even harmful for someone struggling with a serious mental health condition.
Another growing concern is the presence of AI-generated misinformation in online health discussions. Some users take ChatGPT’s responses at face value and share them across social media platforms, unintentionally spreading inaccuracies. Unlike verified medical sources, AI does not cite peer-reviewed studies or cross-check facts with expert guidelines. This can contribute to the rapid spread of misleading health claims, making it even harder for people to distinguish between reliable and unreliable information.
As AI-generated health responses become more sophisticated, healthcare professionals face new challenges in guiding patients toward accurate resources. Doctors report instances where patients arrive at appointments convinced they have a certain condition based on AI-generated explanations. While AI can sometimes provide useful insights, it does not account for individual medical histories, test results, or underlying risk factors. This disconnect can lead to frustration when patients resist expert opinions in favor of AI-based conclusions.
Regulatory discussions around AI’s role in healthcare are gaining momentum, with some experts calling for stricter guidelines on how these tools present medical information. Transparency in AI-generated responses is crucial—users should be aware of the sources that inform AI recommendations. Some platforms are exploring ways to integrate citations and disclaimers, making it clear that AI is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Education about AI’s limitations is just as important as understanding its potential benefits. People need to be equipped with critical thinking skills to evaluate AI-generated health content. Encouraging a balanced approach—where AI is used for preliminary understanding but not as a sole decision-making tool—can help prevent unnecessary risks. As AI technology advances, the key to responsible use lies in combining its capabilities with human expertise rather than replacing it altogether.
