Comparing the Accuracy of Two Generated Large Language Models in Identifying Health-Related Rumors or Misconceptions and the Applicability in Health Science Popularization: Proof-of-Concept Study

Abstract

Background: Health-related rumors and misconceptions are spreading at an alarming rate, fueled by the rapid development of the internet and the exponential growth of social media platforms. This phenomenon has become a pressing global concern, as the dissemination of false information can have severe consequences, including widespread panic, social instability, and even public health crises. Objective: The aim of the study is to compare the accuracy of rumor identification and the effectiveness of health science popularization between 2 generated large language models in Chinese (GPT-4 by OpenAI and Enhanced Representation through Knowledge Integration Bot [ERNIE Bot] 4.0 by Baidu). Methods: In total, 20 health rumors and misconceptions, along with 10 health truths, were randomly inputted into GPT-4 and ERNIE Bot 4.0. We prompted them to determine whether the statements were rumors or misconceptions and provide explanations for their judgment. Further, we asked them to generate a health science popularization essay. We evaluated the outcomes in terms of accuracy, effectiveness, readability, and applicability. Accuracy was assessed by the rate of correctly identifying health-related rumors, misconceptions, and truths. Effectiveness was determined by the accuracy of the generated explanation, which was assessed collaboratively by 2 research team members with a PhD in nursing. Readability was calculated by the readability formula of Chinese health education materials. Applicability was evaluated by the Chinese Suitability Assessment of Materials. Results: GPT-4 and ERNIE Bot 4.0 correctly identified all health rumors and misconceptions (100% accuracy rate). For truths, the accuracy rate was 70% (7/10) and 100% (10/10), respectively. Both mostly provided widely recognized viewpoints without obvious errors. The average readability score for the health essays was 2.92 (SD 0.85) for GPT-4 and 3.02 (SD 0.84) for ERNIE Bot 4.0 (P=.65). For applicability, except for the content and cultural appropriateness category, significant differences were observed in the total score and scores in other dimensions between them (P