Frequent AI chatbot users more likely to believe anti-vaccine myths, poll finds

Adults in the US who frequently seek out health advice from artificial intelligence chatbots are more likely to believe myths about vaccines, according to a poll released on Tuesday by health research firm KFF. The survey, which was conducted in May and polled a representative sample of 2,480 US adults, found that use of AI tools and chatbots correlated with belief in falsehoods such as vaccines causing autism or that the measles vaccine poses more danger than the corresponding virus. The connection remained while controlling for factors such as age, race, education and political partisanship.

The KFF poll highlights a concerning trend in the intersection of technology and public health, where the increasing reliance on AI for health information may be influencing users' perceptions of critical health issues. Why this matters: This finding has significant implications for public health and the role of technology in shaping perceptions of medical information. As AI chatbots become more prevalent in providing health advice, there is a risk that users may be exposed to misinformation, potentially undermining vaccination efforts and public health campaigns.

Developers and healthcare professionals must prioritize the accuracy and reliability of health information provided by AI tools, while also promoting critical thinking and media literacy among users. The correlation between AI chatbot use and vaccine myth acceptance also raises questions about the responsibility of tech companies in ensuring their platforms do not inadvertently spread misinformation. Ultimately, addressing this issue will require a multifaceted approach that balances the benefits of AI in healthcare with the need to protect users from potentially harmful misinformation.