I've been using ChatGPT as a health consultant for all sorts of things. If you've ever experienced health anxiety, you know a huge problem is Googling your symptoms and the top links immediately going to diagnoses like lymphoma or HIV. There is no sense of the a priori likelihood of anything. But ChatGPT is pretty measured, and though it includes tons of disclaimers about needing to see a real doctor, it's impossible to definitely say, etc etc, it's much better about returning the REAL most likely reason you have a headache (you're dehydrated) rather than you have brain cancer.

Of course, you could argue this is lulling you in a false sense of security. But the same thing (arguably worse) happens when you go to a real doctor! Half the time they barely look at you and just kind of shrug off concerns/anxiety.

Edit: I got curious and ran an experiment. Typically when you are anxiously googling you are worried about the worst case (even if it's not rational).

Google: "headache brain tumor"

First result, before links even, is a huge out-of-context info box from the Mayo Clinic on brain tumors that highlights the words "Or a brain tumor can cause swelling in the brain that increases pressure in the head and leads to a headache." Jesus Christ!

ChatGPT 3.5: "I have a headache, could it be a brain tumor?"

First two sentences: "A headache can have many different causes, and while a brain tumor is one possible cause, it is not the most common cause. Most headaches are not caused by brain tumors and are usually due to other factors such as tension, sinus issues, or migraine." It then goes on to list tumor-specific headaches symptoms (like changes in vision or hearing) and calls out to see a doctor if you're getting those.

Which do you think is more likely to calm you down? Or is more legitimately helpful and going to provide good outcomes?