The Impact of AI-Targeted Ads on Addiction: A Scientific Perspective
Direct-to-consumer telehealth services are utilizing AI-targeted advertisements to aggressively market habit-forming medications, posing a threat to individuals in recovery and potentially fueling an addiction crisis. These companies, such as Cerebral, make it easy for individuals seeking recreational drugs to access prescription medications, bypassing traditional barriers and potentially leading to misuse. Similar to the tactics used by Purdue Pharma during the opioid crisis, these firms leverage data-driven marketing to influence prescribing habits. The relaxed regulations during the COVID-19 pandemic have further enabled the proliferation of these services. To address this issue, there is a need for stricter regulations, improved intake and assessment requirements, and a ban on targeted ads for addictive drugs.