With, without, or Against AI? Health Decisions, Critical Thinking and Everyday Information Practices

Against the backdrop of rapid advances in medical knowledge, the growing role of alternative sources of expertise, and the increasing presence of artificial intelligence (AI), contemporary health practices are undergoing notable transformation. Faced with everyday health concerns, episodes of illness or acute health crises involving themselves or significant others, individuals increasingly engage with AI systems as part of health decision-making. Understanding the social consequences of those processes requires attention to the evolving practices of incorporating AI-based chat assistants into everyday health practices, and to the meanings ascribed to seeking, verifying and applying health-related information. This also raises questions about trust and responsibility as well as inequalities in the ability to critically evaluate AI-generated health claims. Equally important is the development of normative frameworks and educational initiatives enhancing digital awareness and critical thinking about health.

The session will encourage discussion of empirical studies around the following topics:

• Practices of health-related decision-making with AI systems in various age groups

• Negotiating AI-generated health advice, symptom interpretation or treatment options with health professionals

• AI, everyday health practices and self-care

• Challenges of critical thinking about health in the AI era

• Social, ethical and systemic consequences of AI-supported health