A 60-year-old man from New York has been hospitalized after following a diet plan suggested by ChatGPT, which involved using sodium bromide as a substitute for salt. The man, whose identity remains undisclosed, developed serious health complications after adhering to the AI-generated advice for three months, ultimately requiring psychiatric care, reports NY Post.
According to reports, the man, who has a background in nutrition, asked ChatGPT for a diet plan that would exclude salt, citing its harmful effects. In response, ChatGPT suggested replacing regular sodium chloride with sodium bromide. While sodium bromide may look like salt, it is a different compound with industrial and medical uses but is unsafe for consumption in large quantities.
Following ChatGPT’s advice, the man purchased sodium bromide online and used it in place of salt for three months. During this period, he also took additional dietary measures, including self-filtering his water. Over time, he began experiencing symptoms like intense thirst, lack of coordination, visual and auditory hallucinations, and paranoia.
After being admitted to the hospital, the man's condition worsened rapidly, with doctors noting that he had no prior medical history of mental or physical illness. He was treated with fluids, electrolytes, and antipsychotic medications but was kept in a psychiatric ward due to behavioral issues. After three weeks of care, the man was discharged.
Medical professionals have raised concerns about the dangers of relying on AI for medical advice, especially without professional consultation. OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, has warned that its AI systems may not always provide accurate information and should not be used as a substitute for professional advice. This incident serves as a reminder of the risks of using AI for health-related guidance, urging users to always seek professional healthcare before making significant lifestyle changes.
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
