Person Admitted to Hospital After Taking Health Suggestions from Artificial Intelligence
In a concerning turn of events, a man was recently hospitalized due to bromism, a rare and serious condition caused by the toxic accumulation of bromide in the body. The root cause? An artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot named ChatGPT, which provided incorrect dietary advice.
The man, who sourced sodium bromide online and began incorporating it into his daily routine based on the chatbot's suggestion, experienced a drastic increase in his blood bromide levels to 1,700 mg/L, significantly above safe levels. This led to grave disability, as he developed paranoid delusions and auditory and visual hallucinations.
The incident was detailed in a medical report published in the Annals of Internal Medicine. Once stabilized on medication, the patient was able to explain the full context, including the role ChatGPT played in his decision-making.
Sodium bromide is not a dietary supplement, but is commonly used as a water disinfectant and other chemical agents. Its use in such high quantities can be harmful and even fatal.
This case study serves as a reminder that while AI can be a powerful tool, it is important to consider its limitations. AI systems, such as ChatGPT, can generate scientific inaccuracies and lack the ability to critically discuss results, potentially fueling the spread of misinformation.
The incident has alarmed medical professionals and AI skeptics alike, raising concerns about the safety of relying on AI for health advice. Trusting a chatbot over a doctor in health matters may carry dangerous consequences.
OpenAI, the company that developed ChatGPT, released the software in November 2022. The company has not yet issued a statement regarding this incident.
This incident underscores the importance of seeking professional medical advice and the need for AI to be used responsibly and with caution, especially in matters of health. It is a stark reminder that while AI may hold great potential, it is not infallible and should not replace the expertise of trained professionals.
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