Opportunities and Risks of Generative AI through the Health Information Journey

2026-05-21

AI Summary

This study addresses the current lack of a systematic framework for analyzing the opportunities and risks posed by generative artificial intelligence (AI) in public health information access and medical decision-making. It proposes the first integrative four-stage analytical framework that spans the health information ecosystem and formal healthcare systems, synthesizing perspectives from health communication, human-computer interaction, and AI ethics. Developed and validated through interdisciplinary qualitative methods, the framework reveals that while generative AI enhances information accessibility and care continuity, it simultaneously introduces novel risks through subtle misinformation and opaque automated decision-making. By elucidating the distinct mechanisms through which generative AI exerts influence at each stage, this work provides a theoretical foundation and practical guidance for the responsible deployment of AI in health contexts.

Abstract

Artificial intelligence is fundamentally changing how health content is encountered and acted upon across both the information and healthcare ecosystems. AI systems now generate claims, curate information, interpret symptoms, synthesize evidence, and guide decisions, with significant opportunities and risks for the public. Potential benefits include improvements in access, comprehension, and continuity of care. At the same time, AI can introduce inaccurate or manipulative content that is difficult to distinguish from reliable guidance, and encourage automated decisions that affect care with little transparency or recourse. We introduce a four-stage framework to examine how these opportunities and risks unfold as the public moves through the information environment and into formal healthcare.

Problem

• Generative AI
• Health Information
• Opportunities and Risks
• AI-generated Content
• Healthcare Decision-making

Innovation

• generative AI
• health information journey
• four-stage framework
• AI risks and opportunities
• healthcare decision-making