When you experience a strange body symptom, do you turn to a chatbot, like ChatGPT, instead of consulting a doctor?

If so, you are not alone. The New York Times recently published a story about the use of chatbots for medical advice, noting that one quarter of adults under 30 regularly use AI to obtain medical information. The story focuses on both the benefits of using chatbots, particularly in light of the challenges faced by the US healthcare system, and the drawbacks of relying on a computer instead of a regular doctor.

What needs attention, however, is a phenomenon that mental health practitioners see regularly: the immediacy of getting information from technology has caused many people to be more anxious. And it’s not about the specifics of the information we get; it’s about the act of getting information so quickly.

People who struggle with anxiety issues tend to dislike uncertainty; they equate........

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