With the advent of generative artificial intelligence (AI), the internet has become a breeding ground for fake news and misinformation. The phenomenon of fake news and misinformation has had significant impacts across various sectors, including the world of finance and politics. A notable example occurred in mid-January 2023, when the spread of a false report stating that the SEC (U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission) had approved a spot-listed ETF (exchange-traded fund) caused volatility in Bitcoin prices [1]. In May 2023, an instance of generative AI being used to create a fictitious image of a building near the Pentagon in Washington D.C. engulfed in black flames, leading to turmoil in the U.S. stock market [2]. Additionally, fabricated images of a former U.S. president being arrested and a fashionably dressed Pope in a white puffer coat were examples of fake news created using AI-generated fake photographs [3,4].
In the early days of the pandemic, misinformation about the source of the virus and its spread was prevalent due to the scarcity of information about COVID-19. Fake news exploiting medical professionals’ expertise has also damaged medical institutions and professional organizations. The public is bombarded with information from frequently unreliable sources. Misinformation is a powerful destructive force in this age of global communication, when one false idea can spread instantly to many vulnerable ears [5].
The ease of replicating and editing everything from a person’s face to their voice with just a few clicks signifies a new era where the boundary between reality and virtuality is rapidly dissolving. The increasing prevalence of AI-generated false information presents a significant challenge.
In the field of sexual medicine, the spread of incorrect medical information through the internet has been a concern even before the full advent of AI and social networking services (SNS). Conditions like sexual dysfunction, which often cause embarrassment or shame, leading patients to avoid seeking professional medical advice, are particularly vulnerable. The cost of treating sexual dysfunction is high in South Korea, as it is not covered by national health insurance, a situation common in many countries. This situation has been exploited by non-medical professionals who promote and sell unofficially manufactured or even illegal medications, health supplements, nutritional products, and medical devices. Most of these medically unsubstantiated treatments are sold online and through social media platforms [6].
Currently, a variety of hormonal medications, OTC (over-the-ounter) treatments, and even counterfeit drugs have been sold online [6,7,8,9] (Table 1). The problem is that there is often not enough evidence to prove that the ingredients in these products are effective or safe. Nevertheless, these products are often promoted online based on unverified facts, leading patients to mistakenly accept this information as accurate medical advice. The problem is compounded by generative AI, which is becoming increasingly sophisticated and realistic, making it challenging for the average person to distinguish fake news from reality. It is also worrisome that more and more people are trying to spread provocative and unconfirmed information for the purpose of making economic gains by increasing YouTube subscribers. The figure schematically illustrates how fake news and false or misleading information generated by generative AI can reach patients (Fig. 1).
Table 1. Male sexual health treatments or supplements that can be purchased online without a doctor’s prescription.
| Treatments | Example |
|---|---|
| Counterfeit drugs | Fake phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors |
| Hormone therapy | Testosterone boosters |
| Artificially created anabolic steroids | |
| Prohormones | |
| Phytoandrogens | |
| Xenoandrogens | |
| Phytoecdysteroids | |
| DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) | |
| OTC (over-the-counter) treatments | Nutrients |
| Vitamins and minerals | |
| Dietary supplements | |
| Herbal supplements and extracts | |
| Topical creams and gels |
Fig. 1. How fake news and disinformation or misinformation produced by generative artificial intelligence (AI) reach the patient.
Urologists and researchers in sexual medicine must be well-informed about these issues. We should strive to provide accurate information to patients and ensure a stable environment for proper treatment, unaffected by the proliferation of fake news and misinformation.
Leveraging SNS as a tool for disseminating correct medical knowledge is also a viable strategy. In fact, there have been reports and cases where SNS has been used as a tool for education and communication in sexual medicine and related fields [10].
It is crucial to recognize and proactively address the vulnerability of all fields, including medicine and specifically sexual medicine, to the tide of fake news and misinformation.
The susceptibility of sexual medicine to these dangers is particularly pronounced and must be acknowledged and addressed with urgency and care.
Footnotes
CONFLICTS OF INTEREST: The author has nothing to disclose.
FUNDING: This work was supported by clinical research grant from Pusan National University Hospital (2023).
- Research conception and design, drafting of the manuscript, obtaining funding, and approval of the final manuscript: Hyun Jun Park.
References
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