Americans use AI for health advice, survey finds

A survey conducted by Talker Research for MD Live reveals that one in seven Americans trusts AI chatbots as much as a doctor. Among those who use AI for health purposes, the level of trust is significantly higher than among non-users, with 60% stating they would believe AI-generated health advice even if it contradicts their physician.

Key findings indicate that 63% of AI health users have followed medical advice from AI without professional confirmation. Users ask an average of nine medical questions per week, citing 24-hour availability, speed, and peace of mind as primary drivers. The trend extends to parenting, as 58% of millennial parents using AI for health topics admit to acting on AI advice regarding their children without consulting a professional.

While 80% of users feel comfortable using AI to evaluate mild symptoms, many overestimate the technology's capabilities. For instance, 22% believe AI only pulls information from reliable medical sources, and 78% were unaware that the phrasing of a question can influence the response.