Rising Dependence on AI for Medical Advice
According to a recent KFF poll published on Wednesday, there’s a noticeable trend among Americans leaning towards artificial intelligence for medical guidance.
The findings from KFF indicate that about 29% of adults now utilize AI tools and chatbots—like ChatGPT, Google Gemini, and Claude—for health-related information at least once a month. This figure has almost doubled from two years ago, when approximately one in six individuals reported doing so in June 2024.
Interestingly, the poll reveals that around three in ten U.S. adults turn to social media for health advice monthly, with about one in six using it daily.
Conversely, a significant portion of adults, approximately 71%, claim they either “never” or “occasionally” seek medical information from AI tools, while 69% report the same for social media. The study also highlights that 36% of social media users still consult human doctors most of the time, with 35% checking other online platforms like WebMD and 21% referencing reputable health organization sites such as the CDC.
Moreover, 36% of respondents who use social media for health advice indicated that they are motivated primarily by a desire to connect with others experiencing similar health conditions, while 35% cited the need for immediate information or support.
This survey arrives at a time when the number of hospitals and healthcare facilities in the U.S. is on the rise. In recent years, the integration of AI in medical practices has become more prevalent. According to a study by The Insight Partners, the global market for AI in healthcare is projected to reach approximately $1.08 trillion by 2034.
Experts have pointed out that while AI tools could boost efficiency and reduce costs in the healthcare industry, there are concerns too. For instance, patients may end up receiving inaccurate health information, which could be problematic.
Supporters of social media as a resource argue its potential usefulness for medical advice, but there are valid criticisms as well. These include concerns about misinformation and the promotion of biased health advice by social media influencers, which could adversely affect those who follow their suggestions.
The recent KFF poll was conducted between May 7 and May 31, involving 2,480 U.S. adults who participated online and via phone in both English and Spanish.
