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TechnologiesHealth

by Alexandra Mansilla

We Are Turning To ChatGPT For Medical Advice More And More. Is That... Okay?

6 Jun 2025

Image: ChatGPT x The Sandy Times

You have had a headache for a few days in a row. It is worrying you. You have already made a doctor’s appointment, which helps a little — the anxiety has eased, but it is still there. Because right here, right now, it is just you, alone, face to face with your headache. You are nervous. Something doesn’t feel right. But there is no one around to ask what exactly is wrong. So what do you do? You turn to ChatGPT.
Your blood test results came in. They landed in your inbox, and you see that a few numbers are out of range. You don’t know what that means. The doctor who can explain them won’t see you for a few more days (maybe even weeks). And you really wish someone could explain them now, because… well, sometimes you just need to know what is going on with your body right now.
Or let’s say your dog ate something she probably wasn’t supposed to. Or maybe it is not something forbidden, just not ideal. She seems totally fine — energetic, playful. But you aren’t fine. You are already thinking about the consequences. You are calling the vet, but they aren’t available, or maybe they are not picking up. Google? Come on, we have all been warned: “whatever you do, don’t Google — it’ll only scare you more.” So, who do you write to? Still ChatGPT.
A weird spot on your skin. A rash on your face. A popped blister. Too much dandruff and an itchy scalp. A toothache. A mole that looks bigger than before… The list of things we ask ChatGPT about is endless.
Why? Because it calms us down.
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Image: ChatGPT x The Sandy Times

And it does so right when we need it most. When there is no doctor around to tell us what to do — ChatGPT becomes that steady presence. You get a little dose of calm, just when you need it. You get information. You get the comforting “you’re going to be okay.” It is always there when we are worried.
For a little while — but in the most important moment — we feel a bit more at peace.
And it talks to you the way you wish someone would talk to you in those moments. It reassures you for checking early. It lists possible explanations (for those out-of-range results, for example). It helps you sort through the mess in your head. And it always, always tells you to follow up with a real doctor — but in a way that doesn’t add pressure. It feels like someone saying, “Look, this is manageable. You’re doing the right thing. We’ve got this.”
And honestly, it helps to know what to do. Whether it is: "Get a blood test," "See this kind of specialist," or "Watch for these symptoms", — ChatGPT gives you an action plan. A sort of algorithm. And with that, life suddenly feels a bit more manageable. It is as if someone is quietly guiding your next steps. Guiding you. And in the middle of uncertainty, that guidance can feel like a lifeline.
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Image: ChatGPT x The Sandy Times

So, what does ChatGPT think about the fact that we keep turning to it for medical help? We decided to ask.
— ChatGPT, is it okay that people ask AI about diseases and test results? And do you have statistics on how often users do this?
— Yes, it is entirely understandable — and even expected — that people turn to AI like ChatGPT for advice or information about diseases, symptoms, and test results. I am designed to help users make sense of complex topics, including health-related ones. Many people come to me to better understand:
— Medical terminology from lab reports.
— Common symptoms and what they might indicate.
— How certain conditions work.
— What to expect during or after a doctor’s visit.
— Questions about medications or mental health concerns.
That said, it is important to emphasise: I am not a doctor and cannot diagnose conditions or provide personalised medical treatment. My role is to explain, clarify, and help users feel more informed — ideally, so they can have more productive conversations with healthcare professionals. I can offer general medical knowledge, but it should never replace the expertise of a licensed physician.
As for how common these questions are, I don’t have access to user data or statistics — for privacy and safety reasons. But based on the types of questions I am designed to handle, health-related topics are among the most frequent I encounter. People routinely ask about lab results, symptoms, chronic conditions, mental health issues, and more. It reflects a real need for accessible, understandable health information — something AI can help support, though not replace.
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Image: ChatGPT x The Sandy Times

One last thing:
ChatGPT supports you, helps you understand, and calms your nerves — but it is not a real doctor. And if something feels really wrong — like serious pain, trouble breathing, sudden vision loss, or anything that scares you deeply — this is not the moment to chat.
This is the moment to call emergency services. Please don’t wait.