About 32% of U.S. adults have used AI chatbots to seek health information in the past year, a level comparable to those turning to social media for similar guidance, a March 25 survey found.
The findings come from a KFF Tracking Poll on Health Information and Trust conducted Feb. 24 to March 2 among 1,343 U.S. adults. The survey was administered online and by telephone in English and Spanish and has a margin of sampling error of plus or minus 3 percentage points for the full sample.
Here are seven key findings from the survey:
- About 29% of adults reported using AI tools for physical health questions, while 16% said they used them for mental health. The findings suggest AI is now used at similar rates as social media for health information.
- Younger adults were significantly more likely to rely on AI, particularly for mental health information. Adults under age 30 were about three times as likely as those age 50 and older to use AI for mental health support (28% vs. 8%). Usage was also higher among uninsured individuals compared to insured individuals (30% vs. 14%), as well as among Black and Hispanic adults compared to White adults.
- Most users said they turned to AI for speed and convenience. Sixty-five percent cited getting quick or immediate information as a major reason, while 41% said they wanted to research issues before deciding whether to see a provider and 36% said they preferred the privacy of using AI tools.
- Barriers to care also played a role. About 19% of users said they turned to AI because they could not afford to see a healthcare professional, and 18% cited not having a regular physician or being unable to get an appointment. These challenges were more pronounced among younger adults and those with lower incomes, including 29% of adults under age 30 citing affordability concerns and 38% citing access issues, as well as 32% of those with incomes under $40,000 citing cost and 25% citing access.
- The findings also suggest many users do not seek follow-up care after consulting AI. Among those who asked about mental health, 58% said they did not follow up with a provider, compared to 42% of those who sought information about physical health.
- In addition, 41% of those using AI for health information said they uploaded personal medical information, such as test results or physician notes, to receive more tailored responses, representing 13% of the public overall.
- Despite that, privacy concerns remain widespread. About 77% of adults said they are concerned about the privacy of personal medical information shared with AI tools, including 65% of those who have already uploaded such data.
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