Comparison of Emotional Content in Text Responses From Physicians and AI Chatbots to Patient Health Queries: Cross-Sectional Study

Chatbot responses were significantly (P<.001) longer and more difficult to read than physician responses and were more likely to contain a wider range of emotions. Qualitatively, chatbot responses were more varied in their presentation as well as in the breadth of the emotions themselves. The findings of this study could be used to inform more emotionally connected physician responses to patient message queries.