As artificial intelligence rapidly integrates into daily life, a recent poll from KFF reveals a significant, and growing, trend: Americans are increasingly turning to AI chatbots for health information. Roughly a third (32%) of U.S. Adults have used AI chatbots for health advice in the past year, a figure that rivals reliance on social media as a source of health information, according to the March 2024 KFF Tracking Poll on Health Information and Trust. While traditional sources like healthcare providers and internet search engines remain more popular, the rise of AI as a health resource signals a shift in how people seek and process medical guidance.
The poll highlights a particularly notable pattern: younger adults are driving the adoption of AI for health-related inquiries. Beyond age, access to care and socioeconomic factors similarly play a role. Uninsured adults, as well as Black and Hispanic adults, are more likely than their insured and White counterparts to seek health information from AI chatbots. This suggests that AI tools may be filling a gap for those facing barriers to traditional healthcare access, though the reliability of the information remains a key concern.
AI’s Role in Health Information Seeking
The ways people are using AI for health information are varied. The most common application is looking up symptoms or gathering general information about health conditions.
Fewer individuals report using AI to inform decisions about seeking medical care, whether for physical or mental health concerns. This suggests that, for many, AI serves as a starting point for information gathering rather than a replacement for professional medical advice.
The convenience and accessibility of AI are major drivers of its appeal. The poll found that the most frequently cited reason for turning to AI is the desire for quick or immediate support. Many also appreciate the ability to research health questions privately and to gather information before consulting a healthcare provider. Importantly, one in five respondents cited healthcare access or affordability issues as a primary reason for using AI, a figure that rises among younger adults and those with lower household incomes. This underscores the potential for AI to address disparities in healthcare access, even as questions about its accuracy and equity persist.
Trust and Skepticism Surrounding AI Health Advice
Despite the growing use of AI for health information, overall trust in these tools remains low. The KFF poll reveals that few adults currently trust AI to provide reliable health information. Although, a striking contrast emerges among those who *have* used AI for health advice: most of these users report trusting the chatbots to provide reliable information.
This suggests that direct experience with AI chatbots can foster a sense of confidence, even if broader public skepticism remains.
This discrepancy in trust levels highlights a critical challenge: the need for greater transparency and validation of AI-generated health information. As AI models turn into more sophisticated, it’s crucial to ensure that the information they provide is accurate, evidence-based, and free from bias. The potential for misinformation and the lack of human oversight raise concerns about the responsible deployment of AI in healthcare.
Mental Health and AI: A Growing Trend
The KFF poll also sheds light on the increasing use of AI for mental health support. While a smaller proportion of adults (roughly one in six) have used AI for mental health advice compared to physical health, the trend is significant, particularly among certain demographic groups. Uninsured adults and adults identifying as Black or Hispanic are more likely to turn to AI for mental health information, potentially reflecting limited access to traditional mental healthcare services.
The reasons for seeking mental health support from AI mirror those for physical health: convenience, privacy, and immediate access. However, the stakes are arguably higher when it comes to mental health, as inaccurate or inappropriate advice could have serious consequences.
Experts emphasize the importance of using AI as a supplement to, not a replacement for, professional mental healthcare.
Looking ahead, the KFF poll underscores the need for ongoing research and dialogue about the role of AI in healthcare. As AI technology continues to evolve, it’s essential to address concerns about accuracy, equity, and patient safety. Further investigation into the long-term impact of AI on health behaviors and outcomes will be crucial to ensuring that these tools are used responsibly and effectively. The KFF will continue to track public opinion on these issues, with future polls planned to monitor evolving trends and attitudes.
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Disclaimer: This article provides information for general knowledge and informational purposes only, and does not constitute medical advice. It is essential to consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.
