So we’ve got these shiny new toys, ChatGPT and its kin, that are flexing their digital muscles in a range of arenas, not least in the health sector. But here’s the rub – while their potential seems as promising as an uncorked bottle of Dom Perignon, we need to temper our enthusiasm with a dose of hard-headed reality. Understand the limitations and the risks.
The Throbbing Headache of AI Anxiety
AI anxiety is no new kid on the block. Just ask The Journal of the Association for Information Science and Technology. We’ve got job losses, existential threats and everything in between. All packaged neatly under this shiny umbrella of discomfort that springs from AI’s shadowy reaches.
But here’s the good news – we can roll with the rapid-fire development of this technology. How? By educating ourselves about it, and learning to incorporate some AI into our daily grind. Unknowns, my friends, are scary. So, shed some light on the tech. Have a go with Bard, or ChatGPT. Make it less ‘Terminator’ and more ‘Iron Man’.
The Health Information Minefield
ChatGPT and the like sound smart, sure. But it’s crucial not to gulp down everything they serve up, particularly when it comes to health. You wouldn’t rely on Google for a cancer diagnosis, would you? So treat AI with the same hefty pinch of skepticism.
Your health, your concerns, are for your healthcare provider to address. They’ve got your medical history, your symptoms, your overall wellbeing – all that good stuff – in mind when they speak with you. AI models are good, but they’re not quite there yet.
ChatGPT and others will tell you the same. So, for the love of sanity, consult a doctor for health queries. AI is smart, but it’s not about to bag a medical degree.
The Siren Call of Tech Addiction
Tech addiction is no laughing matter. Just ask those shackled to their social media profiles or smartphones. ChatGPT and the like seem to be adding fuel to the fire. Some netizens are reportedly feeling the pull of digital dependence.
The Pew Research Center has warned that AI tech might amp up digital addiction. Tech, according to Gary Grossman, global lead of the AI Center of Excellence at Edelman, is increasingly personalized and irresistible.
But it’s not all gloom and doom. You can step back. Take breaks, spend time away from screens, understand why you’re spending time on AI. Go offline. It’s good for you.
The Pitfall of Health Data Privacy
ChatGPT might be a nifty resource for health queries, but there’s a catch – your private health data might not be as private as you’d like. This nugget of wisdom comes courtesy of the World Health Organization. So, think before you type.
Your healthcare provider is your go-to for health concerns. They’ve got the secure channels and the expertise. Your private info? Keep it just that. Private.
Cyberbullying: The Dark Side of Tech
New tech, new problems. Misused AI models can generate harmful, harassing comments faster than you can say “cyberbully”. The Cyberbullying Research Center says it can cause stress and emotional harm.
It’s a nasty business. But you can protect yourself. Document the messages, ask for support from website administrators or your phone company. Use the tools that social media sites have in place to deal with this nonsense. Report, block, adjust privacy settings. You’ve got the power.
The AI Health Balancing Act
Look, AI’s not going anywhere. It’s changing the way we approach healthcare. But we can navigate this brave new world wisely. Tame the AI anxiety. Double-check the info with healthcare pros. Be smart with your digital usage. Protect your health and wellbeing while diving headfirst into the AI revolution.
