In a world where technology has become more prominent, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has provided an avenue where individuals can easily obtain medical advice without needing to visit a doctor. While AI health information should not replace doctors and is not perfect, it’s convenient and accessible, encourages awareness and provides individuals with a clearer understanding of medical conditions.

First, AI makes health information more convenient to access. Instead of booking an appointment with a doctor, taking the time out of your day to visit their office and paying excessive medical fees for a quick visit, AI provides general information relating to your symptoms. This can be especially useful for minor issues such as superficial cuts, bruises, common colds and upset stomachs. If symptoms indicate life-threatening causes or the issue is severe enough, there is always an option to visit the doctor. 

AI health information provides individuals with basic health information, but it does not replace a doctor’s expertise or medical care. It is important for users of such tools to use AI health information tools responsibly and understand its limitations. Moreover, according to the Pew Research Center, about 48% of Americans who use AI to obtain health information find it very convenient, demonstrating the practical benefits of using AI for basic health information. Overall, AI health information is becoming more widely used for its convenience and accessibility.

Furthermore, AI health information can spread awareness of certain health conditions or complications. According to the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study, almost half of all health burden in the United States of America can be caused by modifiable risk factors, meaning it could be prevented better with awareness and action. This highlights the possible benefits of AI health information in preventing diseases. Many people are not always familiar with warning signs of preventable diseases. With AI health information, individuals can be introduced to possible explanations for certain symptoms and be advised when medical attention is required. 

While AI health information is not always reliable and can spread misinformation, many tools include disclaimer notes reminding individuals that they are not medical professionals and that information should not be taken as medical advice. Moreover, it is generally better to follow up on health concerns with your doctor after researching and reading about it, than to ignore your symptoms entirely because it is your own health at stake. 

Finally, not only is AI health information convenient and can help spread awareness, it also simplifies complex medical information into more digestible and easily understood language. Medical jargon can be confusing and complicated when you are not an expert on the topic. With the help from AI, these medical conditions can be broken down into simpler explanations that allow individuals to better understand their diagnosis, treatment, and recommendations for lifestyle. The ability to understand a health condition is key to making informed and responsible choices. When people are not confused by medical terminology and understand the reason behind certain treatments and diagnoses, they are more likely to ask questions, follow medical advice properly and play an active role in managing their own health.

Overall, AI health information does present benefits such as convenience and accessibility and  the ability to promote awareness and simplify complex topics. However, these AI health tools only work as a basic provider of information, which does present many advantages, but should not replace doctors or professional advice. It is vital to recognize the limitations of AI health information, but when working in collaboration with health professionals, it can improve understanding and management of an individual’s health.

The views in this column do not necessarily reflect the views of the HiLite staff. Reach Demi Zhang at [email protected].