Fears regarding the future development of AI in medicine

Abstract Aim Hardly any evidence exists on fears regarding the future development of AI in medicine. Thus, we investigated the factors associated with such fears regarding the future development of AI in medicine. Subject and methods Data were used from a representative sample of German adults (sample consisted of 2591 individuals, averaging around 47 years). We developed a scale to quantify fears regarding the future development of AI in medicine (called FFDAIM-G). Norm values were presented, and multiple linear regressions were performed. Results On a scale from 1 to 7, the mean level of fear regarding the future development of AI in medicine (i.e., FFDAIM-G) was 4.3 (SD 1.5). The reference values significantly differed between certain sociodemographic groups (e.g., depending on age group). The FFDAIM-G had favorable psychometric properties. Regressions showed that higher fear levels regarding the future development of AI in medicine were significantly associated with being female (compared to being male, β = .20, p < .01), a higher number of chronic conditions ( β = .10, p < .001), and poorer self-rated health ( β = −.12, p < .01). Conclusion Overall, some fears already exist regarding the future development of AI in medicine, depending on the sociodemographic group. Women and individuals with poor health are susceptible to such fears. This study can be seen as a basis for researching fears regarding the future development of AI in medicine and may thus guide upcoming studies.