Today, let’s talk about how technology and health are coming together, specifically through ChatGPT. In case you haven’t heard, ChatGPT is an artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot that’s gaining attention in the health community, and here’s why.
Researchers from the journal *Human Vaccines and Immunotherapeutics* recently tested ChatGPT with the top 50 most-asked questions about COVID-19 vaccines, many of which were based on myths and misinformation, like the vaccine causing Long Covid. Impressively, ChatGPT scored an average rating of nine out of ten for accuracy!
While it’s not flawless and sometimes leaves out details, experts from the GenPoB research group at the Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria (IDIS) believe ChatGPT can serve as a reliable source of non-technical information for the public. This is particularly useful for people who want to understand vaccine science without needing a Ph.D. in virology.
Back in 2019, the World Health Organisation (WHO) listed vaccine hesitancy as one of the top ten threats to global health, largely due to misinformation spread on social media. This is where ChatGPT can help by debunking myths and providing accurate information, potentially increasing vaccine acceptance.
Antonio Salas, the lead author of the study and a professor at the University of Santiago de Compostela in Spain, noted that ChatGPT communicates in language that is easy for the public to understand while maintaining scientific accuracy. However, he also emphasized that ChatGPT cannot replace expert advice or scientific evidence.
ChatGPT is user-friendly, making it accessible to many, but it has its limitations. For example, asking the same question with a short delay might yield different answers. Additionally, while designed to provide accurate information, there’s a risk it could be trained to give responses that aren’t scientifically sound. Therefore, it’s essential to use it wisely and verify information when unsure.
In our digital age, tools like ChatGPT help us distinguish fact from fiction, especially regarding health. While AI can provide guidance, consulting healthcare professionals for health-related decisions remains vital.
