Today, let’s explore how technology and health intersect. Have you heard of ChatGPT? If not, prepare to be intrigued. This AI chatbot is making a significant impact in the health community, and here’s why.
A study published in the journal *Human Vaccines and Immunotherapeutics* put ChatGPT to the test by asking it the top 50 most frequently-asked COVID-19 vaccine questions, many of which are based on myths and misinformation (like the vaccine causing Long Covid). ChatGPT scored an impressive nine out of 10 on average for accuracy!
Although it wasn’t perfect and sometimes missed out on bits of information, experts from the GenPoB research group at the Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria (IDIS) suggest that ChatGPT can be a “reliable source of non-technical information to the public.”
This is great news for those of us who aren’t experts in virology but still want to understand vaccine science better.
You might remember when the World Health Organization (WHO) identified vaccine hesitancy as one of the top 10 threats to global health in 2019, largely due to misinformation spread on social media. ChatGPT can help combat this by debunking myths and providing accurate information, potentially boosting vaccine uptake.
Antonio Salas, the lead author of the study and a Professor at the University of Santiago de Compostela in Spain, noted that ChatGPT’s language is easy for the public to understand without sacrificing scientific accuracy. However, he also emphasized that while ChatGPT is a reliable source, it should not replace expert advice or scientific evidence.
ChatGPT is user-friendly and accessible to many, but it does have its limitations. For example, asking the same question at different times might yield varying answers. Also, although it aims to provide accurate information, there’s a risk of it being trained to give misleading answers. Therefore, it’s essential to use ChatGPT wisely and cross-check information when unsure.
The digital age has brought us many incredible tools, and ChatGPT is undoubtedly one of them. As we navigate the vast sea of online information, tools like ChatGPT can help us distinguish between fact and fiction, especially regarding our health. But always remember, while AI can guide us, consulting healthcare professionals is vital for making health-related decisions.
