Why Sharing Your Apple Watch Data with AI Doctors Could Be Problematic
As wearable technology becomes increasingly popular, many individuals are tempted to share their health data with AI-powered health assistants. However, a recent exploration raises significant concerns about the reliability of these digital doctors. From inconsistent health assessments to potential data privacy issues, users are left pondering whether these AI tools truly enhance their wellbeing or create more confusion.
The Experiment with AI Health Advisors
A recent report from The Washington Post (paywalled) detailed an experiment where an author fed a decade's worth of personal Apple Watch data into two new AI health advisors: ChatGPT Health by OpenAI and Claude for Healthcare by Anthropic. The objective was to evaluate if these AI systems could accurately interpret the data and present a clear overview of the author's health status.
Mixed Results from AI Tools
The findings revealed that these AI assistants often relied on estimated health metrics like VO2 max, which may not accurately reflect an individual's fitness levels without proper testing equipment. Moreover, there were instances where the AI neglected basic facts about the user, such as their age or gender, during the interaction.
While companies assure users of data encryption, they are not strictly bound by the same privacy regulations as healthcare providers under HIPAA, which raises questions about the protection of sensitive health information.
Will Apple Health+ Offer a Better Solution?
Apple's anticipated upcoming service, Apple Health+, is rumored to introduce an "AI Health Coach" that could serve as a virtual health advisor. However, given the challenges that established AI entities like OpenAI and Anthropic face, it's uncertain if Apple’s initiative will significantly outperform existing offerings.
Despite Apple's commitment to data privacy, the crucial factor remains the effectiveness and accuracy of the AI system. If Apple Health+ aims to provide tailored health guidance, it must outperform its competitors, which have demonstrated mixed success in previous trials.
Can We Rely on Digital Doctors?
As more tech companies venture into health technology, the excitement surrounding these innovations must be tempered with caution. It’s clear that while these tools might be engaging, they cannot substitute the invaluable insights and personal touch that human healthcare providers offer.
