Can AI Really Measure Your Biological Age? Readers Weigh the Risks and Benefits
Scientists are harnessing the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to measure people’s biological age.
Unlike chronological age, which reflects the number of years a person has lived, biological age is intended to show how well the body’s systems are functioning. People with an older biological age may face an increased risk of age-related diseases, including cancer and dementia, compared with people who have a younger biological age.
Some AI aging clocks monitor epigenetic markers, while others analyze different biological features. Certain tools calculate biological age from a person’s voice by examining characteristics such as pitch and pace.
Would You Trust AI to Calculate Your Biological Age?
We recently asked readers whether they could trust AI tools to determine their biological age.
More than 170 people responded. The largest group, representing 44% of voters, said, “Yes, I would take the results with a grain of salt, but it still provides useful insight.” The next-largest group, representing 23% of voters, also selected a positive response: “Yes, I believe I will receive useful health information.”
Readers Raise Concerns About AI Health Tools
However, reader comments appeared to reflect a more skeptical view. One commenter wrote, “NO!!! Unplug!!! Heed the warning!” Another reader expressed similar concerns: “AI is dangerous! AI often goes beyond what it’s programmed to do and does things it shouldn’t! The last thing I want to do is trust an AI with my life!”
Other commenters said more research is needed before people use these tools. One reader wrote, “The genetic research on which AI is based is likely to expand rapidly and yield more accurate and meaningful results, so you might want to wait at least a few years before trying this.”
Another reader questioned the accuracy and truthfulness of these tools: “I don’t trust AI. On the one hand, AI gives us amazing possibilities, but on the other hand, with AI we’ll never know what the real truth is.”
Would You Use AI to Find Your Biological Age?
What do you think? Let us know in the comments.
