More people are turning to AI for health advice. Experts say to be careful

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) - More people are turning to artificial intelligence for answers to their health questions, but experts warn that the information provided by AI chatbots isn’t always accurate, and could come with privacy risks.

AI tools including ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot and Google Gemini can provide detailed answers within seconds. For many people, that convenience makes them an appealing first stop when they have questions about their health.

One survey found that 17% of adults ask AI chatbots health-related questions at least once a month.

"There are a lot of reasons you might go to a chatbot for answers," said 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."

But experts say the technology can also get things wrong.

AI chatbots can make up information, known as "hallucinations," or mix up important details while presenting their responses with confidence. Those errors can be difficult for users to recognize, particularly when the information sounds authoritative.

A recent study also found that people can be prone to overtrusting AI-generated medical advice. Some respondents were unable to distinguish between answers generated by AI and information provided by a real doctor.

Privacy is another concern.

AI systems are not subject to all of the same privacy protections that apply to a doctor's office. That means users should be cautious about sharing sensitive personal health information with a chatbot, as that information could potentially be exposed, used or compromised in a data breach.

Consumer Reports recommends using AI as a starting point for health information, not as a substitute for a medical professional.

People should avoid entering sensitive personal health information into AI tools and verify anything they learn with trusted sources, including MedlinePlus, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and recognized medical organizations.

And when a health question could affect a person's treatment or other medical decisions, experts recommend talking with a doctor.

AI can provide information quickly, but experts say it shouldn't replace professional medical advice.