Bridging the Digital Divide

Abstract

In the rapidly evolving digital health landscape, digital health literacy—the ability to access, understand, and use health information from electronic sources—is crucial for public health. This chapter explores AI-driven solutions to enhance digital health literacy among underserved populations, addressing barriers to accessing and understanding health information. It examines the effectiveness of AI applications, such as chatbots and predictive analytics, in improving health outcomes in marginalized communities. Through case studies and literature reviews, AI's potential to address health disparities, provide culturally tailored education, and improve public health outreach is highlighted. Ethical considerations, data privacy challenges, and the risk of perpetuating biases are also discussed. Leveraging AI technologies can promote health equity and create inclusive health literacy programs. The insights aim to guide policymakers, healthcare providers, and technology developers in integrating AI into public health strategies, contributing to a more equitable healthcare system.