![The Gee Code: Will Gen Z Embrace OpenAI’s Health Coaches?](https://s3.amazonaws.com/media.youthradio.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/07171500/The-Gee-Code-TEMP-FINAL.jpg)
AI-driven behavior change can transform how people can obtain a good bill of health, according to OpenAI co-founder Sam Altman and Arianna Huffington, founder and CEO of Thrive Global.
The tech duo penned an op-ed in TIME to introduce the launch of Thrive AI Health, a hyper-personalized AI health coach that will be available as a mobile app.
With the application, Altman, who led the ChatGPT launch and Huffington, who has roots as the founder of HuffPost — are envisioning a world where hyper-personalized AI health coaches can help consumers make healthier habits to contribute to their personal health goals.
The technology in Thrive AI Health, will also operate within the Thrive Global platform, which currently helps consumers connect their well-being directly in their daily workflow. Thrive Global has coined tech-fueled reminders that help its customers engage in ‘microsteps’ on a path to better health, such as encouraging no-screen time during meals, and suggesting water first thing in the morning.
According to Atlman and Huffington, Thrive AI Health will help track user’s individual data points and health goals to then offer suggestions that can help improve sleep, reduce the intake of sugar and ultra-processed foods and get more movement in the day to lower stress and increase connection.
“AI could help us be in a stronger position to make better choices that nourish our mental health. It could also use our health information to make recommendations based on what motivates and inspires us,” the duo wrote in TIME.
Considering that the tech world already rolled out AI-fueled teachers and health chat bots, it comes to me as no surprise that the leaders in the space are taking it a step further here.
Gen Z as a digitally native generation has thrived on the creation of healthcare applications. In fact, 94% of Gen Z users want to improve their health through apps that offer added convenience such as virtual doctor visits and coupons for prescription medicine.
While AI-driven health tools like Thrive AI Health offer promising benefits, it’s crucial to acknowledge Gen Z’s inherent skepticism regarding data privacy and usage. This generation is likely to embrace these AI health tools, but they will do so cautiously, with a critical eye on how their personal data is managed and protected.
Keeping it gee, as Thrive AI Health rolls out, the transparency and ethical handling of user data will be paramount in gaining and maintaining the trust of Gen Z users. In this way, the platform will have the potential to significantly enhance personal health management for Gen Z amongst other generational demographics that are interested in the high-tech aspect of health — but are wary of tech getting too personal.
Miranda Perez (she/her/hers) is a Jersey City, NJ-based journalist who covers the tech industry. Follow her on X and Instagram: @mimithegee.
Edited by NaTyshca Pickett