Should you trust health advice from an AI chatbot? episode artwork

EPISODE · Apr 22, 2026 · 10 MIN

Should you trust health advice from an AI chatbot?

from What in the World · host BBC World Service

People frequently turn to AI chatbots like ChatGPT, Gemini and Grok for health advice. Some people argue that using them is similar to an Internet search. But some experts say that chatbots are getting things dangerously wrong.James Gallagher, the BBC’s Health Correspondent, explains how chatbots work, what the risks are and how the technology is evolving. We also hear from young people about how and when they seek advice from chatbots. Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: William Lee Adams, Santiago Vanegas Maldonado and Benita Barden Editor: Harriet Oliver

People frequently turn to AI chatbots like ChatGPT, Gemini and Grok for health advice. Some people argue that using them is similar to an Internet search. But some experts say that chatbots are getting things dangerously wrong.James Gallagher, the BBC’s Health Correspondent, explains how chatbots work, what the risks are and how the technology is evolving. We also hear from young people about how and when they seek advice from chatbots. Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: William Lee Adams, Santiago Vanegas Maldonado and Benita Barden Editor: Harriet Oliver

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Should you trust health advice from an AI chatbot?

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This episode was published on April 22, 2026.

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People frequently turn to AI chatbots like ChatGPT, Gemini and Grok for health advice. Some people argue that using them is similar to an Internet search. But some experts say that chatbots are getting things dangerously wrong.James Gallagher, the...

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