A recent study has revealed that parents are increasingly turning to ChatGPT for medical guidance instead of consulting with actual healthcare professionals. Conducted by researchers at the University of Kansas, the study found that many parents view AI-generated content as credible, trustworthy, and ethical.
Lead author and doctoral student Calissa Leslie-Miller explained that the research began shortly after ChatGPT’s launch, fueled by concerns about how parents might utilize this accessible method of obtaining health information for their children. “Parents often seek advice online, so we wanted to examine the implications of using ChatGPT for this purpose and identify any potential risks,” she said in a statement.
The study involved 116 parents aged between 18 and 65, who were tasked with evaluating health-related texts. The texts comprised content from healthcare professionals and AI-generated responses from ChatGPT. Importantly, the participants were not informed about the source of the materials. They rated the texts based on five criteria: perceived morality, trustworthiness, expertise, accuracy, and their likelihood of relying on the information provided.
Interestingly, many parents struggled to distinguish between the content generated by ChatGPT and that produced by medical experts. In cases where there were notable differences in ratings, ChatGPT’s responses were often viewed as more trustworthy, accurate, and reliable than the expert-generated material. “This finding surprised us, particularly since the study was conducted early in ChatGPT’s availability,” Leslie-Miller noted.
The study underscores the growing integration of AI in everyday life, highlighting that users may not always recognize when they are engaging with AI-generated content versus expert advice. ChatGPT was launched in November 2022, and as of now, it boasts over 250 million active monthly users. Recently, OpenAI introduced a search engine feature within its chatbot, known as ChatGPT Search, further enhancing its capabilities.
While ChatGPT demonstrates strengths in various scenarios and holds potential as a valuable tool, it is crucial to note that it can also produce inaccurate information. Users are advised to approach AI-generated content with caution, especially concerning health-related matters. Leslie-Miller pointed out that some early outputs from the AI contained incorrect data, raising alarms about the reliability of AI tools in sensitive areas like child health. “AI systems like ChatGPT are prone to ‘hallucinations’—errors that arise when the model lacks sufficient context,” she cautioned.
Given the serious implications of misdiagnosis or misinformation in pediatric health, Leslie-Miller emphasized the need for proper expert oversight in the use of AI for health advice. “As parents increasingly rely on AI for medical guidance, it is vital to ensure that they have access to expert advice to mitigate potential risks,” she stated.
In my opinion, while AI tools like ChatGPT can provide quick access to information and support for parents, they should not replace professional medical advice. The reliance on AI for health information can lead to serious consequences, particularly in child healthcare. Parents should always consult qualified healthcare providers to ensure that they receive accurate and safe medical guidance. Balancing the convenience of AI with the expertise of healthcare professionals is essential for making informed decisions about children’s health.
