AI-generated doctors on TikTok spread dubious health advice, raising safety concerns

Researchers have found that TikTok accounts powered by artificial intelligence are amassing millions of views while disseminating questionable health advice, raising alarms about the potential harm to public safety. The study, which analyzed trending medical content across the platform, identified a growing trend of AI-generated “doctor” personas offering unverified treatments and medical myths to large audiences.

Dr. Emma Runswick, deputy chair of the British Medical Association council, highlighted the dangers of such misinformation, noting that these accounts “peddle medical myths and promote so‑called miracle cures.” She warned that the rapid spread of these claims could lead to individuals making harmful health decisions based on inaccurate information. The BMA has called for stricter oversight of health content on social media and urged users to verify medical advice through reputable sources.

The findings underscore the need for greater regulation and public education around online health information. As AI-generated content becomes increasingly sophisticated, experts emphasize the importance of critical scrutiny and reliable verification to protect consumers from misleading medical claims.