Artificial intelligence is gaining more trust from parents than actual doctors, according to a study from the University of Kansas Life Span Institute. The research found that parents are turning to AI for their children’s health information over human health care professionals. The study, published in the Journal of Pediatric Psychology, showed that parents consider AI-generated text as credible, moral, and trustworthy.
Over 100 parents between the ages of 18 to 65 were asked to rate text generated by a human doctor or ChatGPT, an AI chatbot created by OpenAI, under the supervision of an expert. The study concluded that ChatGPT can influence decisions related to medication, sleep, and diet.
Lead study author Calissa Leslie-Miller, a doctoral student in clinical child psychology, expressed concerns about parents relying on AI for health advice without expert oversight. Participants in the study rated ChatGPT higher in trustworthiness and accuracy compared to human experts.
Dr. Harvey Castro, an ER physician and AI expert, acknowledged the appeal of AI for quick health care advice, especially for busy parents. He emphasized the importance of combining human expertise with AI, particularly when it comes to children’s health. Castro highlighted that while AI can provide valuable preliminary information, it cannot replace the personalized care and expertise of a pediatrician.
Parents were advised to use AI tools as a starting point for health information but to always consult with a pediatrician for accurate and personalized care. By combining technology with human expertise, health care professionals can enhance the quality of care and ensure that critical nuances are not overlooked.
In conclusion, while AI can be a helpful resource for health information, it is essential for parents to seek guidance from qualified medical professionals to ensure the well-being of their children. By leveraging both technology and human expertise, the quality of care can be improved without compromising the personalized touch that only humans can provide.
