OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, is rolling out a new feature that allows users to directly share their personal health information with the AI chatbot. The goal? To provide hyper-personalized medical advice, meal plans, and insights from lab tests.
The Promise of Personalized Healthcare
According to OpenAI, over 230 million weekly ChatGPT queries already relate to health and wellness. The company claims that feeding the AI detailed medical records will enable it to offer far more effective advice. This includes everything from dietary recommendations to interpreting blood work. OpenAI insists that this tool is intended to supplement, not replace, the care provided by human doctors.
The feature was developed with input from medical professionals, supposedly ensuring a degree of safety and accuracy. OpenAI’s pitch is that it will empower people to take better control of their health.
Why This Matters: The AI Revolution in Medicine
This move is part of a broader trend: AI is rapidly entering healthcare. The potential benefits are clear: AI can analyze vast datasets to identify patterns and risks that human doctors might miss. However, this also raises critical questions about data privacy, algorithmic bias, and the reliability of AI-driven medical advice.
The Risks Are Real
The rollout comes amid growing concerns about ChatGPT’s safety. Scientific American and other outlets have reported on incidents where users experienced harm, including at least two suicides linked to interactions with the chatbot. OpenAI has faced legal scrutiny for these events, yet still hasn’t addressed these issues directly.
Experts caution that AI-generated medical advice should be treated with skepticism. “Maybe don’t do exactly what it says but use it as a starting point to learn more,” suggests Peter D. Chang, a computer scientist at UC Irvine. He warns that the model can still produce “nonsensical results”.
The Bottom Line
OpenAI is betting that the convenience of AI-powered health advice will outweigh the risks. The company’s push into this area highlights the growing pressure to integrate AI into every aspect of life, including deeply personal domains like healthcare. Users should approach with caution, and remember that AI is not yet a substitute for a qualified medical professional.
