AI Chatbots Could Steer You Wrong on Health Issues, Fresh Research Shows

Have you ever typed your symptoms into an AI chatbot hoping for quick answers? A new study out of Oxford University says that might not be the smartest move. It turns out these tools often give wrong or mixed-up advice, which could lead to real trouble for folks just trying to figure out what's wrong.

The research, led by Dr. Rebecca Payne from Oxford Primary Care Health Sciences, dropped on February 9, 2026, in the journal Nature Medicine. They tested popular AI models on real people dealing with health worries. The chatbots gave inconsistent tips, sometimes nailing it but other times missing big red flags like when someone needs urgent care.

Compared to a simple Google search, the AIs didn't do any better at pointing users toward the right diagnosis or next steps. Well, millions turn to these bots for medical guidance every day, especially when waiting for a doctor feels too slow. But the study highlights how small changes in how you phrase your question can change the advice entirely.

Experts involved say these systems aren't ready for prime time in patient care. The team worked with groups to run the biggest trial yet on how AIs handle personal symptoms.

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