Chatbots and Health Advice

April 02, 2026

Nearly a third of U.S. adults use artificial intelligence (AI) for health information, according to a new KFF tracking poll.

Released last week, the poll finds that most of these users are seeking quick and immediate advice but “challenges affording and accessing health care also play a role, particularly for younger adults.”

The tracking poll follows a Gallup report last month evaluating America’s top trusted sources for health information.

 “AI use is on par with the share who say they turn to social media for health information, but lags behind the shares saying they’ve sought health information from health care providers and internet search engines (where they may be encountering AI generated results, even if they are not looking for them),” the tracking poll notes.

Here are a few key takeaways from the survey:

• Top reasons:  About 29 percent report using AI for physical health advice, and about 16 percent use it to seek information on mental health.
• By demographic:  About 28 percent of people under 30 use AI for mental health information. That’s about three times higher than the rate for people over 50 (8%).
• Access concerns:  Uninsured adults are more likely to use these tools for physical or mental health (40%) than insured adults (31%).
• Quotable:  “When asked why they consulted AI for health information, about two-thirds (65%) of users say that a major reason was to get quick or immediate information or support,” the report notes. “Substantial shares also cite wanting to look up information before deciding whether to see a provider (41%) or feeling more comfortable looking up information privately (36%).”

A news release and the latest tracking poll are available online.