Artificial Intelligence (AI) is an emerging technology that the public is using increasingly for menial tasks such as creating a grocery list or writing an email; but what happens when an individual seeks AI guidance about their physical health before seeking guidance from a human clinician? This poster presentation will highlight the progress and findings of a microstudy based in Louisville. The study is focused on how consumer health information is being sought out by human users and then disseminated via artificial intelligence large language models (LLMs). The presenter will report on background literature regarding AI and consumer health in a succinct format, such as pros and cons. After briefly touching on background information, the presenter will discuss how the study has been conducted (via one-to-one interviews with local Louisville (residents), then share thematic findings based on the verbal interviews and testimonies of the study participants. All data reported will be based on de-identified, anonymized testimonies to protect the privacy of every participant. Towards the end of the presentation, the presenter will discuss future implications and how librarians can promote technological/AI literacy and health literacy among their patrons.
