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Experts Warn of Public Health Risks as AI-Generated Doctors Spread Misleading Medical Advice on Social Media

Research indicates that AI-generated doctors and health influencers are increasingly dominating social media platforms, often spreading dubious health advice and promoting unverified supplements. A study by Hallam found that AI-generated content appeared in 40% of top health-related TikTok videos, with some search terms reaching 84% AI-assisted content. These digital personas often promote miracle cures and bizarre remedies, such as Coca-Cola mixed with onion for pain relief, which may lead consumers to waste money on ineffective products or delay legitimate medical care. Medical experts, including Dr. Emma Runswick of the British Medical Association, have warned that these medical myths pose a significant danger to public safety. While AI tools are useful for education, specialists emphasize that they should support rather than replace human medical professionals. The Council for Responsible Nutrition has called for stronger enforcement and greater transparency to address fraudulent marketing and illegal disease claims. They argue that while AI did not create deceptive marketing, it has made it easier for unscrupulous sellers to produce and distribute misleading content rapidly across digital marketplaces.

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