Health Experts Warn Against Using AI for Medical Advice
Published
Many New Zealanders are increasingly turning to artificial intelligence (AI) tools like ChatGPT and Gemini to find answers to their health questions. While these digital assistants can provide information in seconds, medical professionals are warning the public to be cautious about relying on them for serious health concerns.
Doctors explain that while AI models are impressive, they do not have a medical degree or a deep understanding of a patient's personal history. These tools are designed to predict language patterns rather than diagnose illnesses. As a result, they can sometimes provide inaccurate or misleading information that could lead to dangerous health decisions.
In New Zealand, healthcare providers emphasize that an AI chatbot cannot replace a physical examination or a professional consultation. A doctor needs to listen to a patient, perform tests, and consider various factors before making a diagnosis. Relying solely on an online search or an AI response might cause a patient to ignore important symptoms that require urgent medical attention.
Experts suggest that if you are feeling unwell, the best approach is to contact a local GP or call Healthline for advice from a registered nurse. While the internet is a useful tool for general information, it should never be used as a substitute for professional medical expertise. When it comes to your health, it is always safer to speak with a human professional.
Sources: Stuff
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