“The danger is not that computers will begin to think like humans, but that humans will begin to think like computers.” – Sydney J. Harris, journalist and social commentator
Treating AI as a doctor
Across India, an alarming number of people are now turning to artificial intelligence for medical advice instead of consulting real doctors. Platforms like ChatGPT and Google are increasingly being used to diagnose symptoms, often leading to misinterpretations and delayed medical attention. While AI can offer general health information, it cannot evaluate the complexity of human biology and individual medical histories.
The cost of misplaced trust
Several cases have highlighted how reliance on AI can have fatal consequences. Meera Sharma ignored a breast lump after an AI chatbot suggested it was harmless, months later, she was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer. Similarly, Ramesh Shah’s shoulder pain, which he thought was routine inflammation based on AI advice, turned out to be a cardiac warning. These examples underline the gap between AI suggestions and real diagnostic expertise.
When confidence becomes carelessness
Doctors warn that patients often feel reassured by AI-generated responses, delaying medical intervention. According to Dr. Prashanth Rao, people come late “because they are reassured by something they read online.” AI cannot analyze test results or detect underlying complications, yet users treat its responses as definitive medical judgments.
The rise of ‘cyberchondria’
AI has also fueled “cyberchondria,” a term used for anxiety caused by excessive online medical searches. Dr. Sanjith Saeeshadharan explains that constant exposure to digital health advice can amplify fears or trivialize serious conditions, distorting how patients assess their health.
Balancing innovation and intuition
AI is a remarkable tool for information but not a substitute for clinical expertise. Responsible AI use means blending machine insight with medical judgment. Patients should view AI as an assistant, not a doctor, to ensure that innovation serves health rather than harms it.
Summary
India’s growing dependence on AI for health advice has created dangerous delays in diagnosis and treatment. Overconfidence in machine-generated suggestions and misjudged reassurance can escalate minor issues into critical conditions. Human doctors remain irreplaceable for accurate assessment and timely care.Food for thought
If AI makes a confident but wrong diagnosis, who bears the moral responsibility—the user or the algorithm?AI concept to learn: Generative AI
Generative AI models produce text, images, or data outputs based on learned patterns from large datasets. While useful in education, creativity, and communication, they lack true understanding or contextual judgment—making them unreliable for decisions requiring professional expertise.
[The Research Team at Billion Hopes brings to you latest AI news and developments in a useful format. Feedback welcome!]
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