"Turning to AI to answer health-related questions seems like an easy and convenient option that may spare you from a doctor's visit. That's particularly true with a tool like Google's AI Overviews, which summarizes the results that pop up during a regular Google Search. Also: How to get rid of AI Overviews in Google Search: 4 easy ways But that doesn't mean Google's AI is the best route to take, especially if you're researching a serious medical problem or condition."
"'Really dangerous' Also: 40 million people globally are using ChatGPT for healthcare - but is it safe? A recent investigation by British newspaper The Guardian concluded that Google's own AI Overviews put users at risk by providing false and misleading health information in its summaries. To conduct its tests, The Guardian used AI Overviews to research several health-related questions. The paper then asked different medical and health experts to review the responses."
"In one case described by experts as "really dangerous," Google's AI Overviews advised people with pancreatic cancer to avoid high-fat foods. But the experts said that this is the exact opposite of the correct advice. In another instance, the AI-generated information about women's cancer tests was "completely wrong," according to the experts. Here, a search for "vaginal cancer symptoms and tests" listed a pap test as a test for vaginal cancer, which the experts said was incorrect."
Google's AI Overviews summarizes search results but delivered inaccurate and potentially dangerous medical guidance in tests. Medical and health experts reviewing AI-generated answers found specific errors: advising people with pancreatic cancer to avoid high-fat foods, incorrectly listing a Pap test as a diagnostic for vaginal cancer, and providing false information about normal liver blood test ranges. These errors could mislead patients with serious conditions and affect treatment decisions. Users are advised not to rely solely on AI for researching serious medical conditions and to consult qualified healthcare professionals for diagnosis and treatment guidance.
Read at ZDNET
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