Viewpoint on the Intersection Among Health Information, Misinformation, and Generative AI Technologies

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Informatics
• Artificial Intelligence

Background:

• Rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), including large language models and generative AI, are transforming the information landscape.
• These AI advancements pose significant risks to population health and healthcare delivery, particularly concerning information creation, consumption, and amplification.
• Navigating the consequences of AI requires thoughtful approaches from policy, governance, and professional perspectives.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the future of public health and AI in the context of the evolving health information environment.
• To examine the dual aspects of disinformation and AI, and the role of health professionals within an AI-driven ecosystem.
• To gather perspectives from young adult professionals globally on AI's impact on public health.

Main Methods:

• A collaborative viewpoint article involving working groups from the World Federation of Public Health Associations.
• Inclusion of perspectives, concerns, and aspirations from young adult professionals across 5 continents with diverse backgrounds.
• Discussion divided into two parts: disinformation and AI, and the role of professionals in an AI-driven health information ecosystem.

Main Results:

• Identified risks associated with AI in information dissemination and its impact on population health.
• Explored the challenges and opportunities for public health and medical professionals in an AI-influenced environment.
• Highlighted concerns regarding information overload, misinformation propagation, and ethical considerations.

Conclusions:

• Emphasized the need for thoughtful approaches to manage AI's impact on health information and healthcare.
• Concluded with 5 key recommendations to address challenges like disinformation, ethical shifts, and policy needs.
• Stressed the importance of robust, dynamic policies to manage current and future AI-related health challenges.