While the internet grants people more access to medical information than ever before, that information is not always easy to understand. One way that people are starting to problem-solve their way through this challenge is by using artificial intelligence (AI) based tools like OpenAI’s ChatGPT, Google Bard, and Microsoft Bing.

ChatGPT already has over 100 million users, and that number will only keep rising now that OpenAI has released the official iOS mobile app.

The tools can answer questions in seconds and instantly generate easy-to-understand responses. While most of them do offer premium plans, the basic functions of the tools are free.

 The Risks of Using the Internet to Diagnose Yourself

Compared to scheduling an in-person visit with a healthcare provider, using ChatGPT seems like a more affordable, convenient, and easy way to get the help you need. Plus, it can answer almost anything you ask, albeit not necessarily correctly. But experts say it should not be used to address questions about your health or for medical advice.

“No such unregulated device should be used for medical advice, given the potential high stakes of people misunderstanding or applying such information to their health,” Jonathan Chen, MD, PhD, assistant professor of medicine and physician-scientist at Stanford University School of Medicine, told Verywell. “Given that both patients and clinicians are likely already doing so anyway, they need to be informed about what they’re actually getting and doing.” 

Here’s when you should and should not use AI for health-related questions, and the possible harms to be aware of if you choose to.

When Is It Safe Use ChatGPT for Health-Related Questions?

Even though AI services like ChatGPT should not be used for medical advice, Rigved Tadwalkar, MD, a board-certified cardiologist at Providence Saint John’s Health Center told Verywell that they can be useful for providing general information about health conditions, certain medications, diseases, and other medical topics.

For example, if you want to learn more about the flu, an AI tool can provide responses that cover the symptoms, causes, risk factors, and treatments. The tools can also be beneficial if you want to learn more about a specific medication—for example, why it’s used and what the possible side effects are.