Staff Reports
Fans of the popular TV show “Star Trek: Voyager” are no strangers to the idea of relying on artificial intelligence for medical care. In the show, the crew of the Voyager had no choice but to trust their holographic doctor after losing their real medical staff. Surprisingly, it seems that many Americans are already eager to embrace AI in medicine, according to a survey conducted by UserTesting.
The survey, which included 2,000 American consumers, as well as 1,000 from the UK and Australia, found that Americans were more willing to trust AI with their health issues compared to their British and Australian counterparts. Only 6% of Americans expressed any distrust towards AI-related healthcare, while 44% of British and 27% of Australian consumers did. The results also revealed that 53% of Americans search for medical information online before deciding whether to see a doctor, with 44% of them eventually seeking professional medical advice.
Majority of Americans Trust Internet, AI More Than Their Doctor's Opinions: Poll https://t.co/3KymCaOPX2
— WND News (@worldnetdaily) December 21, 2023
However, the survey also uncovered a concerning trend among Americans. About 46% of respondents admitted to relying on social media for health information. This is where things take a dangerous turn, as social media platforms are known for spreading misinformation. While it may be acceptable to consult reputable medical websites, seeking health advice from social media, where misinformation can be rampant, is a cause for concern.
The survey also revealed that more than half of Americans (52%) have turned to language models like ChatGPT to get a diagnosis based on their symptoms. Surprisingly, 81% of those who received a diagnosis from a language model found it to be accurate, and 84% agreed with the diagnosis after consulting with a doctor.
While AI in medicine can provide convenient and potentially accurate information, it is essential to remember that it should never replace the expertise and knowledge of trained medical professionals. The potential risks and consequences of relying solely on AI for medical advice should not be underestimated. When it comes to matters of health, it’s always best to consult a real doctor who can provide personalized care and accurate diagnoses.
