Health anxiety has loomed over me like a dark cloud for most of my adult life, and the rise of AI health tools has only intensified my unease. Convinced I was facing imminent death a few years ago, a call to the NHS helpline urged immediate medical attention. Thankfully, my dread stemmed from a muscle strain rather than anything fatal, reinforcing my tendencies to assume the worst.
Living with health anxiety has taught me to avoid Googling symptoms, as it often leads to panic attacks. Checking my heart rate on my Apple Watch started as a helpful tool but quickly spiralled into obsession. Each fluctuation sent me into a tailspin of worry, revealing that more data does not always equal more comfort.
At Samsung’s January Unpacked event, the introduction of AI health features raised alarms for me. While the devices claim to provide insights and track vital signs, all I see is a potential for increased anxiety. The thought of asking an AI health assistant questions feels like a recipe for disaster, reminiscent of my past experiences with health queries that only heighten my fears rather than alleviate them.
Like an overly cautious NHS operator, an AI could offer a multitude of possibilities based on limited data, fuelling my “what if” worries without context. The fear that such AI responses could be both inaccurate and alarming adds to my hesitance in utilising these emerging technologies. Yet, there’s a glimmer of hope that someday AI might offer reassurance instead of anxiety. For now, however, I am steering clear of AI in my health journey to preserve my peace of mind.
The author shares their struggle with health anxiety, claiming that the proliferation of AI health tools exacerbates their fears. Based on past experiences of misdiagnosis and panic, they reflect on how health-tracking devices have led to obsessive worry. Despite promising advancements in AI, the author remains wary and chooses not to engage with these technologies for the sake of their mental wellbeing.
In navigating the realm of health anxiety, the presence of AI health tools presents more potential pitfalls than benefits for me. My past experiences remind me that without context, data can fuel fear rather than provide solace. While future developments may offer a more supportive role, until then, I choose to keep AI at arm’s length to safeguard my mental health.
Original Source: www.cnet.com
