How AI Innovation Is Widening The Digital Health Divide

Earlier this year, OpenAI introduced ChatGPT Health, a platform for tech-savvy users to combine health data from various sources. However, the chronic disease burden and associated costs in the US are predominantly concentrated in underserved communities, which often do not use or benefit from such innovations. Health technology is not tailored to these communities, raising the question: who really benefits from it?

Sergei Polevikov, a technology expert and founder of AI Health Uncut, shared his experience in a recent post about uploading his health data to the new OpenAI platform. He encountered errors in the analysis, which inaccurately described parts of his health history, and faced administrative challenges. Polevikov remarked, “Automation enhances efficiency and saves time, but I do not need AI to explain my health. These tools are distributed unevenly, and people like me have the least need for them.”

When someone like Polevikov faces difficulties navigating AI-driven tools, what implications does this have for individuals with low digital literacy whose needs are not considered in the design and marketing of these technologies?

Tech-Ignored, Not Tech-Averse

In street interviews conducted in Mobile, Alabama, I explored the gap between the rise of AI tools and the tech support required by those with low digital literacy. Leevonis Fisher, a community leader and founder of the Bay Area Women Coalition, expressed concern about how many have been left behind. When asked about AI, she said, “I think it’s all fake.” Further questioning revealed Fisher uses an iPhone and regularly employs Siri, Alexa, and voice-to-text features, unaware that these are AI-driven. To her, AI is synonymous with unreliable computer robots creating fake videos for social media.

This highlights a significant issue. Engineers and tech experts design tools for those who need them least, while those who could greatly benefit, like Fisher, are excluded from the conversation and often don’t realize they already use AI solutions daily. These communities are also least likely to use wearables, buy direct-to-consumer diagnostics, or consistently access electronic health records. If these access and information gaps are not closed, AI and technological advancements will continue to widen them. Neglecting underserved communities with high disease burdens represents a missed market opportunity. The full economic potential of AI in healthcare cannot be realized if only the healthiest and most tech-savvy benefit.

Are we prepared to accept that?

Fisher likely represents millions nationwide who might be considered tech-averse. But her daily technology use suggests otherwise. She is tech-ignored. Her distrust of AI stems from not being engaged to understand its role beyond Siri and Alexa. Without understanding her habits, limitations, and specific needs, even the most advanced AI will only exacerbate existing knowledge and usage gaps.

Shaping AI By And For People

Efforts are underway to reshape AI policy and access. Last fall, the MacArthur Foundation, Omidyar Network, and eight other major philanthropies launched Humanity AI, a five-year, $500 million initiative to ensure AI is developed by and for people. Michele Jawando, president of Omidyar Network, emphasized, “Tech has incredible potential but must be steered by humans, not the other way around. The future will not be written by algorithms, it will be written by people as a collective force.”

As we strive to create technology accessible to all, it is crucial to raise awareness and gather insights from those we continually overlook. Only then can we work towards a consensus to build inclusive technology.