A longer version of this content appeared in our members-only newsletter, Conquering Sjögren’s. To access that article and other exclusive content, become a member today.
If you’ve ever turned to the internet to look up a symptom or ask a health question about Sjögren’s, you’re not alone. It’s easier than ever to access information online — and some of it is now generated by artificial intelligence (AI). But while AI can be a helpful tool, it also comes with some challenges.
Whether you’re newly diagnosed with Sjögren’s or have been managing the disease for years, it’s important to know how to tell if online health information is accurate and trustworthy. That’s why we’re breaking down what AI is, how it’s used in online content, and how to make sure the information you find supports your health.
What is Artificial Intelligence?
Artificial intelligence (AI) uses computer technology to process large amounts of information and generate responses. Tools like ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, and Google Gemini use AI to answer questions, summarize topics, or help with writing.
AI is also showing up in everyday search engines. Google and Bing now include AI-generated overviews in search results. So when you search for a question, the top results might come from an AI tool — not a medical expert.
Benefits of Using AI
AI can make it easier to access health information quickly. Some of the benefits include:
- Quick summaries that give you a general understanding of a topic.
- Free and easy access — many AI tools are available to anyone with an internet connection.
- Support for researchers who use AI to analyze large sets of data and identify patterns in diseases like Sjögren’s.
However, when it comes to something as complex as Sjögren’s disease, AI doesn’t tell the whole story.
Drawbacks of Using AI
While AI has many benefits, there are also important limitations, especially when it comes to a complex disease like Sjögren’s. Here are a few drawbacks to be aware of:
- Lack of clear sources. AI doesn’t always tell you where the information comes from, so it can be tricky to know if you can trust it.
- Outdated or incorrect information. AI isn’t always up to date with the latest research. For example, some AI tools still use the outdated term “Sjögren’s syndrome” instead of “Sjögren’s disease.”
- Incomplete answers. AI tools don’t search the whole internet, and they may miss important context or details.
These drawbacks don’t mean you shouldn’t use AI at all. Rather, it’s important to think critically about the information AI offers — and cross-check it with trusted sources.
How to Know if Online Health Information is Credible
Whether you’re using AI-generated tools or reading through the results of a search engine query, here are some strategies to help you figure out whether the health information you find is reliable.
- Don’t be fooled by polished answers. AI responses often sound professional, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re accurate.
- Look for labels. Google and Bing often mark AI content with phrases like “AI Overview” or “Copilot Answer.”
- Check the source. Reliable websites often end in .gov, .edu, or .org — like the Sjögren’s Foundation, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) , or the Mayo Clinic.
- Check for an author. Look for a name or “About Us” page to understand who created the content and think critically about why they wrote it.
- Check the date. Try to find health information that was published or reviewed within the past few years.
- Look for references. Trustworthy sites often include citations or name medical reviewers.
- Compare information across websites. If several reputable sources say the same thing, it’s more likely to be accurate.
And remember: If you’re unsure about something you read online — especially if the information suggests changing your treatment — talk to your doctor before making any changes.
The Sjögren’s Foundation: Your Partner in Understanding Sjögren’s
Finding reliable online information about Sjögren’s can be tough — and AI adds another layer of complexity. That’s why the Sjögren’s Foundation is committed to providing accurate, up-to-date, and science-based resources for patients.
We’re working to advocate for better AI, pushing for tools that use accurate data and benefit Sjögren’s patients.
We joined the Accelerating Medicines Partnership (AMP) Program Autoimmune and Immune-Mediated Diseases (AMP AIM), a partnership between 20 organizations within the public, private, and not-for-profit sectors. AMP AIM is using new tools and technologies to help researchers better understand autoimmunity and develop new drugs to treat it.
We’re also a proud member of the National Health Council (NHC), where we advocate for affordable, equitable, and high-quality care. Together, we’re making sure that as AI becomes more common in health care, it works for patients — not against them.
To get accurate information about Sjögren’s disease and learn more about how the Foundation advocates for Sjögren’s patients, visit our website, subscribe to our blog, and follow us on social media.
A longer version of this content appeared in our members-only newsletter, Conquering Sjögren’s. To access that article and other exclusive content, become a member today.
If you’ve ever turned to the internet to look up a symptom or ask a health question about Sjögren’s, you’re not alone. It’s easier than ever to access information online — and some of it is now generated by artificial intelligence (AI). But while AI can be a helpful tool, it also comes with some challenges.
Whether you’re newly diagnosed with Sjögren’s or have been managing the disease for years, it’s important to know how to tell if online health information is accurate and trustworthy. That’s why we’re breaking down what AI is, how it’s used in online content, and how to make sure the information you find supports your health.
What is Artificial Intelligence?
Artificial intelligence (AI) uses computer technology to process large amounts of information and generate responses. Tools like ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, and Google Gemini use AI to answer questions, summarize topics, or help with writing.
AI is also showing up in everyday search engines. Google and Bing now include AI-generated overviews in search results. So when you search for a question, the top results might come from an AI tool — not a medical expert.
Benefits of Using AI
AI can make it easier to access health information quickly. Some of the benefits include:
However, when it comes to something as complex as Sjögren’s disease, AI doesn’t tell the whole story.
Drawbacks of Using AI
While AI has many benefits, there are also important limitations, especially when it comes to a complex disease like Sjögren’s. Here are a few drawbacks to be aware of:
These drawbacks don’t mean you shouldn’t use AI at all. Rather, it’s important to think critically about the information AI offers — and cross-check it with trusted sources.
How to Know if Online Health Information is Credible
Whether you’re using AI-generated tools or reading through the results of a search engine query, here are some strategies to help you figure out whether the health information you find is reliable.
And remember: If you’re unsure about something you read online — especially if the information suggests changing your treatment — talk to your doctor before making any changes.
The Sjögren’s Foundation: Your Partner in Understanding Sjögren’s
Finding reliable online information about Sjögren’s can be tough — and AI adds another layer of complexity. That’s why the Sjögren’s Foundation is committed to providing accurate, up-to-date, and science-based resources for patients.
We’re working to advocate for better AI, pushing for tools that use accurate data and benefit Sjögren’s patients.
We joined the Accelerating Medicines Partnership (AMP) Program Autoimmune and Immune-Mediated Diseases (AMP AIM), a partnership between 20 organizations within the public, private, and not-for-profit sectors. AMP AIM is using new tools and technologies to help researchers better understand autoimmunity and develop new drugs to treat it.
We’re also a proud member of the National Health Council (NHC), where we advocate for affordable, equitable, and high-quality care. Together, we’re making sure that as AI becomes more common in health care, it works for patients — not against them.
To get accurate information about Sjögren’s disease and learn more about how the Foundation advocates for Sjögren’s patients, visit our website, subscribe to our blog, and follow us on social media.