Artificial Intelligence and Your Health

There’s a lot of talk about artificial intelligence, or AI, these days. AI is everywhere—from virtual assistants to facial recognition software. The technology is even assisting doctors and scientists. One area that AI is already being used daily is medical imaging. Computers help doctors comb through CT and MRI scans for signs of problems like heart disease and cancer. While it may be tempting to ask general chatbots, like ChatGPT to find health information, it's important to use caution, as the chatbot doesn't actually understand what you're asking. However, Dr. Ellen Fitzsimmons-Craft, a mental health researcher at Washington University in St. Louis and her team are developing a chatbot to help guide people with eating disorders toward seeking care. But, AI is not a replacement for people, says Fitzsimmons-Craft. “AI is just another tool in the toolbox, that’s offering another form of help.”