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U.S. Adults Turn to AI Chatbots for Health Advice at Rate Matching Social Media Use
A new Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) poll shows that almost one‑third of American adults—29 percent—now consult AI tools such as ChatGPT, Google Gemini, and Claude for health information on a monthly basis. That figure represents nearly a doubling of the share that used AI for medical advice in June 2024, when roughly one in six adults reported doing so.
The survey, conducted online and by telephone from May 7 to May 31, sampled 2,480 U.S. adults in English and Spanish. It also measured how people turn to social media for health information. Three in ten respondents (30 percent) said they accessed medical advice or information on social media at least once a month, and about one in six (17 percent) reported daily use. In contrast, 71 percent of adults said they either never or only occasionally used AI tools for medical questions, and 69 percent reported the same for social media.
Among those who turn to social media for health advice, 36 percent indicated that the primary motivation is to learn from peers who share similar conditions or experiences, while 35 percent cited the need for immediate information or support. The poll also asked how respondents follow up on the information they receive online. Among social‑media users, 36 percent said they see a human doctor at least most of the time, 35 percent check other online sources such as WebMD, and 21 percent consult health‑agency websites like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The rise in AI‑tool usage coincides with a broader trend of hospitals and clinicians adopting generative‑AI applications. Industry analysts project that the global market for AI in healthcare will grow substantially, reaching a value of more than $700 billion by 2034, according to a report from Insight Partners released on Monday.
Experts caution that the increasing reliance on AI chatbots for medical advice carries risks. A 2025 BMJ Group review highlighted the potential for misinformation on social‑media platforms, noting that influencers can sometimes promote biased or misleading health recommendations that may harm followers. Other researchers have warned that AI chatbots can provide inaccurate or unsafe medical guidance, potentially delaying critical care.
The KFF poll was designed and analyzed by public‑opinion researchers at KFF. The organization did not provide a detailed methodology beyond the sampling frame and the fact that the survey was administered in both English and Spanish.
The data suggest that while AI chatbots are becoming a common source of health information for a sizable portion of the population, most adults still rely on traditional channels such as doctors and reputable health‑information websites. The growing use of AI tools raises questions about how healthcare providers and regulators will address the accuracy, safety, and privacy of AI‑generated medical advice.
In the coming months, the healthcare industry will likely see continued integration of AI chatbots into clinical workflows, alongside ongoing scrutiny from medical‑professional bodies and data‑privacy regulators. The KFF poll provides a snapshot of current consumer behavior, but further research will be needed to assess the long‑term impact of AI‑driven health information on patient outcomes.
The poll underscores a shift toward digital self‑service for health questions, but it also highlights the need for clear guidance and safeguards to ensure that the information accessed through AI chatbots and social media is reliable and safe.
The survey, conducted online and by telephone from May 7 to May 31, sampled 2,480 U.S. adults in English and Spanish. It also measured how people turn to social media for health information. Three in ten respondents (30 percent) said they accessed medical advice or information on social media at least once a month, and about one in six (17 percent) reported daily use. In contrast, 71 percent of adults said they either never or only occasionally used AI tools for medical questions, and 69 percent reported the same for social media.
Among those who turn to social media for health advice, 36 percent indicated that the primary motivation is to learn from peers who share similar conditions or experiences, while 35 percent cited the need for immediate information or support. The poll also asked how respondents follow up on the information they receive online. Among social‑media users, 36 percent said they see a human doctor at least most of the time, 35 percent check other online sources such as WebMD, and 21 percent consult health‑agency websites like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The rise in AI‑tool usage coincides with a broader trend of hospitals and clinicians adopting generative‑AI applications. Industry analysts project that the global market for AI in healthcare will grow substantially, reaching a value of more than $700 billion by 2034, according to a report from Insight Partners released on Monday.
Experts caution that the increasing reliance on AI chatbots for medical advice carries risks. A 2025 BMJ Group review highlighted the potential for misinformation on social‑media platforms, noting that influencers can sometimes promote biased or misleading health recommendations that may harm followers. Other researchers have warned that AI chatbots can provide inaccurate or unsafe medical guidance, potentially delaying critical care.
The KFF poll was designed and analyzed by public‑opinion researchers at KFF. The organization did not provide a detailed methodology beyond the sampling frame and the fact that the survey was administered in both English and Spanish.
The data suggest that while AI chatbots are becoming a common source of health information for a sizable portion of the population, most adults still rely on traditional channels such as doctors and reputable health‑information websites. The growing use of AI tools raises questions about how healthcare providers and regulators will address the accuracy, safety, and privacy of AI‑generated medical advice.
In the coming months, the healthcare industry will likely see continued integration of AI chatbots into clinical workflows, alongside ongoing scrutiny from medical‑professional bodies and data‑privacy regulators. The KFF poll provides a snapshot of current consumer behavior, but further research will be needed to assess the long‑term impact of AI‑driven health information on patient outcomes.
The poll underscores a shift toward digital self‑service for health questions, but it also highlights the need for clear guidance and safeguards to ensure that the information accessed through AI chatbots and social media is reliable and safe.
