Artificial intelligence (AI) platforms like ChatGPT may soon be able to help those seeking answers to mental and physical health questions such as How can I stop smoking? and What resources are available for sexual assault survivors? However, a new study has found that they are not yet equipped to provide referrals to specific resources, which are crucial for individuals seeking help. The researchers asked ChatGPT 23 public health questions in four categories: addiction, interpersonal violence, mental health, and physical health. While the platform provided evidence-based responses to 91% of all questions, it only offered referrals to specific resources in 22% of these responses. Referrals are essential in ensuring that individuals receive the necessary support.
ChatGPT promoted resources that included Alcoholics Anonymous, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, National Domestic Violence Hotline, National Sexual Assault Hotline, Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline, and U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)’s National Helpline. The researchers suggest that connecting individuals to trained professionals should be a key requirement for these AI systems and could substantially improve public health outcomes. However, people should be cautious when relying on AI for health information. While hundreds of millions of people are already using these AI assistants, connecting with trained professionals should be prioritized in these AI systems for the successful treatment of health conditions.
