Woman says ChatGPT ‘potentially saved’ life after requesting palm reading

A woman was left in utter disbelief after what was intended to be a simple AI palm reading turned into something that could become a serious health issue.

TikTok user Rin recalled her recent experience, revealing that after uploading a snap of her hand, ChatGPT advised her to get a mole on her hand checked out with a doctor for acral lentiginous melanoma (ALM). “Put a finger down if you asked AI to do a palm reading on you and it told you to get your mole checked because it looks like acral lentiginous melanoma (ALM) – that’s me, I did,” she recounted.

The mole, which appeared in 2020, had never been a cause for concern until now. “I just thought, ‘Oh a hand mole – that’s uncommon’.” But now Rin has been left pondering: “Did ChatGPT just save my life? We will find out.”

Her video quickly went viral, amassing 4.4 million views, with viewers anxiously awaiting the results. One commenter insisted: “If you have it biopsied come back and let us know.” Another tried to reassure: “It looks completely benign. AI is going to freak a lot of people out for no reason.”

To which Rin replied, stressing the importance of caution: “I would much rather be freaked out and it be fine then be unaware and let it metastasize. That’s just me though.”

A third viewer chimed in, noting that such moles aren’t always cancerous. “If it’s on the palm of your hand or foot it needs to be checked however its not necessarily malignant. I’ve had one on the bottom of my pinkie toe for 12 years, gets checked every year, its fine,” they said

However, adding to Rin’s concern, a fourth TikTok user detailed their mole tale: “I had a dot in my inner thigh, told doctor, was sent to dermatology, it was removed and biopsied, turned out to be cancerous. Had more skin removed to make sure it was all gone, ended up with 12 stitches.”

Whilst a fifth individual warned: “I went to a dermatologist for a spot that popped up on my foot. I knew the spot needed a biopsy and removal. She took pictures and said come back in 6 months. ABCD&E’s of melanoma completely ignored.”

Subsequently, Rin updated her followers about her next steps: “I’m being scanned for a brain tumour and when I go to the doctor I am going to ask about the mole,” adding, “After I tell the people that I love, I will make sure I tell you guys as well what’s going on.”

And with a tone of cautious optimism, she added “A lot of people have told me they got a similar mole in the same spot after having kids, which makes me feel better, but right now I’m trying not to think about it.”

For those considering seeking medical advice via ChatGPT themselves, Verywell Health advises online: “While ChatGPT can be useful to learn about certain conditions or symptoms, it can also provide false information or lead to incorrect diagnoses. If you have any questions about your health, experts recommend reaching out to your healthcare provider instead of relying on services like ChatGPT.”

Other TikTok users shared their positive experiences with the app. One woman disclosed to Rin: “ChatGPT diagnosed my stage 4 endo when I had been dismissed for a decade,” adding, “I had surgery in November and I feel like a new woman.”

While a second recounted: “I uploaded all of my medical records into ChatGPT and it instantly confirmed what chronic illnesses I have/probably have and what doctors I need to see and what tests need to be run.”

If you have any health concerns, always seek advice from a doctor.