Warning: Fake doctors are now real—and giving medical advice on social media
Key Takeaways
Industry Buzz
"I had a feeling this day was going to come where we’d see fake AI doctors spewing all sorts of nonsense. I love when AI is used for good in healthcare, but not when it’s being used to scam innocent people." — Austin Chiang, MD, MPH
In an age where technology continues to infiltrate every facet of our lives, a new and disturbing trend is emerging on social media: AI-generated doctors promoting dangerous, and often completely fabricated, medical advice.
These AI-created personas, which look and sound like real medical professionals, are leading users down a perilous path by recommending unproven products, natural remedies, and alternative treatments that might do more harm than good.
The rise of AI-generated doctors
Thanks to advancements in artificial intelligence and deepfake technology, individuals can now create highly convincing avatars that mimic the look, sound, and mannerisms of real doctors.
These AI-generated personalities are often featured on social media platforms, particularly Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, where they boast large followings.
These accounts may appear professional and knowledgeable, with slick graphics, polished scripts, and even patient testimonials to back up their claims.
They often advertise alternative treatments for everything from chronic pain to mental health disorders, touting natural remedies that supposedly "work better" than conventional medical treatments.
However, there's one critical problem: These digital doctors are not real, and their advice is not only unverified but could be downright dangerous.
Related: Can AI replace therapists? Some patients think so as they turn to Chat GPTThe dangers of fake medical advice
While some AI-generated pages may offer seemingly harmless tips, many are pushing highly questionable products, supplements, or therapies.
Some examples include promoting unregulated weight loss pills, suggesting herbal treatments as substitutes for prescribed medications, or encouraging users to try "miracle" detoxes. These scams prey on vulnerable individuals looking for quick fixes to their health problems.
Real medical professionals are raising the alarm about these digital charlatans, warning that trusting an AI-generated doctor can have serious consequences.
“These fake AI doctors are getting out of hand," Austin Chiang, MD, MPH, says in an Instagram Reel. "I had a feeling this day was going to come where we’d see fake AI doctors spewing all sorts of nonsense. I love when AI is used for good in healthcare, but not when it’s being used to scam innocent people," he continues in the caption.
In one AI-generated Facebook video (that's since been taken down), the "doctor" claimed that chia seeds can help get diabetes under control, which isn't true. []
The role of real doctors in the fight against medical misinformation
As social media platforms become increasingly saturated with these AI-generated health experts, real doctors are stepping up to protect the public. Many, like Dr. Chiang, are using their own social media channels to debunk the misleading claims made by these digital imposters.
Doctors are also urging platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube to take stronger action against these accounts, calling for stricter content moderation and the inclusion of clear disclaimers about the dangers of following AI-generated health advice.
While some social media sites are taking action, such as flagging content that violates community guidelines, the battle against medical misinformation is far from over.
Related: Are your patients diagnosing themselves with AI?