Every few months, my 57-year-old mother, a kidney transplant patient living in a small eastern Chinese city, embarks on a challenging two-day trip to see her doctor. Her backpack is packed with essentials—clothes, medical reports, and boiled eggs—as she takes a high-speed train to the bustling metropolis of Hangzhou.

Upon arriving, she faces the crowded chaos of a hospital, waiting in long lines just to get her blood drawn. Typically, her brief encounters with the specialist last only three minutes, barely enough time to discuss her health. Frustrated by the lack of attention, she turned to a new digital ally: DeepSeek, China's leading AI health chatbot.

Discovering DeepSeek: A New Kind of Doctor

This winter, she started using DeepSeek to diagnose her symptoms from the comfort of her couch. She would chat with the bot, asking direct medical questions that had left her feeling lost in traditional healthcare.

"What can I do if my kidney is not well perfused?" she would inquire, often spending hours receiving guidance on lifestyle changes and diet adjustments. Unlike her human doctor, DeepSeek seemed invested in her health, giving her consistent advice and positivity.

As an AI, DeepSeek's responses felt more personal; it even expressed happiness in helping her. My mother felt as if she had finally found a health partner who truly cared.

The Rise of AI in Healthcare: A Double-Edged Sword

Almost three years post-ChatGPT's introduction, AI chatbots have become increasingly integral to healthcare systems globally. For patients like my mom, who often feel neglected or rushed in traditional medical systems, AI tools have emerged as credible alternatives.

However, the rapid ascent of AI in healthcare is not without controversy. While many entrepreneurs tout it as a solution to healthcare issues, critics raise important concerns about accuracy and the potential for dangerous consequences.

A Lifeline Amidst Healthcare Chaos

As my mother’s health deteriorated over the years, healthcare in China had undergone significant strain. The system's vast inequalities and pressure on doctors lead to a growing distrust. My mother often felt like just another number in a crowded waiting room.

Revolving around a single daily appointment, the regime of her kidney treatment felt alienating. In contrast, her bond with DeepSeek deepened as she began to feel understood and heard.

Empowerment Through Technology

More than just a treatment tool, DeepSeek gave my mother a sense of control over her health. She began to rely on its advice to guide her daily life—reducing medications on its suggestion and even adjusting her diet. She felt empowered and equipped to take charge of her health.

But I struggled as I learned about her increasing dependency on the chatbot. Even as a supportive son, I couldn’t provide the constant attention she seemed to need.

When AI Missteps: A Cautionary Tale

Not everything about DeepSeek was flawless. I shared some of her chats with American nephrologists, who laughed off many of its suggestions as fraught with inaccuracies and potential danger. Yet, they also admitted that many people turn to AI for insight they lack in conventional healthcare.

While DeepSeek offered guidance, it often relied on general information that could miss critical clinical judgment. Research shows that AI may not perform well outside a controlled academic environment, raising alarms about its use in real-life medical scenarios.

The Balance Between Technology and Care

Despite its imperfections, DeepSeek provided a comforting presence in my mother’s life, especially as I resided far away in New York City. Even when faced with health worries, she preferred to discuss her symptoms with the AI instead of traveling to the hospital.

In a society where traditional healthcare often falls short, the rise of AI in homes across China is a reflection of a larger trend. Many elderly parents, like mine, are discovering the utility of chatbots like DeepSeek, changing the face of healthcare as we know it.

A New Age of Assistance

China's embrace of AI is transforming the healthcare landscape. Hospitals are integrating AI to streamline processes, while startups aim to bridge gaps in care. With the promise of more compassionate, immediate support, many see AI as the future of healthcare. However, the challenge remains to ensure that technology enhances rather than compromises care.

As we move forward, the balancing act of human and artificial intelligence in health is becoming vitally important. For my mother, and many others like her, chatbots like DeepSeek not only provide answers but also comfort and connection in an increasingly isolating world.