25% of U.S. Adults Turn to AI Tools for Health Information in Recent Poll

This trend highlights the growing intersection of technology and healthcare, revealing significant shifts in how individuals seek medical information.

• 25% of U.S. adults used AI tools or chatbots for health information in the past 30 days, according to a recent poll.
• Younger and lower-income demographics are driving this trend, citing cost and convenience as primary factors.
• Experts caution that while AI can assist in research, it should not replace professional medical advice.

• Generative AI's rise since 2022 has coincided with healthcare access challenges, particularly post-COVID.
• Lower-income individuals face heightened barriers to traditional healthcare, making AI a more appealing option for quick information.
• Trust in AI remains divided, with concerns about accuracy and privacy influencing user behavior.

The West Health-Gallup poll conducted from late October to December 2025 reveals a significant trend: 25% of U.S. adults have turned to AI tools for health information. This shift is not merely a technological curiosity; it reflects deeper systemic issues within the healthcare landscape. The aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic has left many healthcare systems strained, with provider shortages and rising costs creating barriers to access. As a result, individuals, particularly younger adults and those from lower-income backgrounds, are increasingly seeking alternative sources of health information.

The proliferation of generative AI tools, particularly since the launch of ChatGPT in 2022, has provided a convenient solution for those facing these barriers. Many users are turning to AI for quick answers, symptom evaluations, and preliminary research before or after consulting healthcare providers. This trend is particularly pronounced among demographics that have historically faced challenges in accessing timely and affordable healthcare.

However, the reliance on AI for health information is not without its risks. Medical leaders, including Dr. Bobby Mukkamala, President of the American Medical Association, emphasize that AI should serve as an assistant rather than a replacement for professional expertise. Privacy concerns are also significant, with a recent KFF survey indicating that 75% of U.S. adults harbor apprehensions about the safety of their health data when using AI tools. The FDA has begun issuing guidance on AI devices, underscoring the need for caution in this rapidly evolving landscape.

As AI tools become more integrated into health information access, the implications for healthcare delivery and patient behavior are profound. The trend suggests a shift towards a more tech-driven approach to health, where individuals may increasingly rely on AI for guidance, potentially reshaping the patient-provider dynamic.

• Younger adults: More likely to use AI tools due to familiarity with technology and a desire for quick information.
• Lower-income individuals: Seek affordable alternatives to traditional healthcare, making AI an attractive option.
• Healthcare providers: May experience shifts in patient interactions as more individuals come prepared with AI-generated information.

• Regulatory developments: Keep an eye on FDA guidelines regarding AI in healthcare, as these will shape how AI tools are used and trusted.
• User trust metrics: Monitor surveys assessing public trust in AI health tools, as shifts in perception could influence adoption rates.
• Healthcare access trends: Watch for changes in healthcare access and utilization patterns, particularly among demographics that have historically faced barriers.