AI doctors on TikTok spread misinformation, attracting millions

AI-generated "doctors" on social media platforms, particularly TikTok, are drawing millions of views while disseminating potentially harmful health advice and medical myths. Experts are raising alarms about the significant danger this poses to public health.

Research indicates that artificial intelligence-generated content is prevalent in health-related videos on TikTok, accounting for 40% of the most-viewed content. Many of these AI-driven accounts are designed to appear as if they are run by legitimate medical professionals. In some search queries related to "health advice," up to 84% of the videos were found to be AI-generated or AI-assisted.

“

Platforms like TikTok must do more to stop the rise of fake medical advice, otherwise the public will pay the price with their health, and possibly even their lives.

These AI "doctors" have been observed promoting bizarre "cures" and unverified products. One AI persona, for instance, claimed to recommend a product for anti-aging, asserting it helps the body naturally produce anti-aging molecules. However, investigations could not find any verifiable information about such a product online.

“

Many clinicians are reporting an increasing number of patients who feel worried and confused by the false advice being created purely for clicks.

Experts express deep concern over the rise of misinformation online. "Many clinicians are reporting an increasing number of patients who feel worried and confused by the false advice being created purely for clicks," stated Professor Frankie Swords, medical director of the UK's National Health Service. The growing volume of AI-generated medical content represents a "terrifying exposure to false medical content," according to researcher Alex Ruan. "What we are seeing is an industrialised exploitation of trust."

TikTok has stated that it removes harmful medical misinformation, including AI-generated content, and collaborates with the World Health Organization to provide reliable health information on its app. However, the sheer volume and deceptive nature of this content continue to be a significant challenge.

“

What we see is an industrialized exploitation of trust.