A recent poll reveals that one in seven adults in the UK now prefer using AI chatbots for healthcare advice over consulting a doctor, highlighting a significant shift in health-seeking behavior.
Conducted by researchers at King’s College London, the survey of 2,083 adults aged 18 and older indicates that convenience (46%) and NHS waiting lists (25%) are major factors driving this preference. Additionally, many users are motivated by curiosity (45%) and uncertainty about the seriousness of their health concerns (39%). While 59% of chatbot users report positive impacts on their physical health, public sentiment is mixed, with 42% believing these tools could negatively affect mental health.
Amy Clark from King’s College emphasizes the disconnect between the increasing reliance on AI for health advice and public apprehension regarding its implications. Notably, skepticism is pronounced among women and younger individuals, challenging the notion that familiarity with technology leads to acceptance. Furthermore, the study found that 20% of users felt AI discouraged them from seeking professional medical advice.
Elizabeth Anderson from the Digital Poverty Alliance cautions against the risks of relying on AI, advocating for the irreplaceable value of professional medical expertise. The findings also reveal that younger individuals are particularly resistant to the clinical use of AI, with nearly half opposing it. As AI becomes more integrated into healthcare, ensuring that users can engage with these technologies safely and critically is essential, especially concerning their health decisions.