Why Americans are Turning to AI for Health Answers: Navigating Accuracy Concerns

Traditionally, people relied on their primary care providers for health questions. According to data from the Annenberg Public Policy Center (APPC), confidence in these professionals has remained high, with 90% of individuals trusting them for health advice as of April 2025.

The internet changed how we access health information. Now, official sources like the CDC, FDA, and NIH are just a click away. Despite a dip in trust during the Covid-19 pandemic, these agencies still enjoy a strong confidence level, with 66% to 68% of people viewing them as reliable in April 2025.

New technology, especially generative AI, is becoming a third source for health information. It’s here to stay. When you search for health answers online, you’ll often see an “AI Overview” at the top, alongside a disclaimer warning that these responses are not a substitute for professional medical advice. Yet, a significant number of Americans trust these AI-generated answers.

A recent APPC survey of over 1,600 U.S. adults revealed that 79% are likely to search online for issues related to health symptoms or conditions. Interestingly, nearly two-thirds of these respondents reported encountering AI-generated responses during their searches.

Key Findings from the APPC Survey

• 79% of U.S. adults are likely to look for health answers online.
• 75% of online searchers feel AI-generated responses give them useful information.
• 63% consider AI health content somewhat or very reliable.
• 49% are uncomfortable with healthcare providers relying on AI rather than their expertise.

Although many find AI-generated answers helpful, concerns remain about relying solely on technology for healthcare decisions. Kathleen Hall Jamieson, who leads the APPC, warns, “Potential confusion could arise if vulnerable individuals do not understand that AI results aren’t personalized healthcare advice.” Laura A. Gibson, an APPC analyst, emphasizes that AI is not always up-to-date with the latest information.

Where Do People Get Their Health Info?

When it comes to online searches for health content, the sources vary. According to the survey, most people start with search engines, with 71% using them often. Other popular sources include:

• Websites like WebMD (48%)
• Medical institutions like the Mayo Clinic (44%)
• Nonprofit organizations (37%)
• Government resources (35%)

Social media and podcasts are less popular, with only a quarter of respondents using platforms like TikTok or Reddit for health information.

Perceptions of AI Health Information

Around 65% of those searching for health info online have seen AI-generated answers at the top of search results. Younger adults (ages 18-34) are more likely to encounter these responses than seniors over 65. While about 31% claim AI often provides the answers they need, another 45% find it useful sometimes.

Most online health seekers don’t stop at AI answers; 65% will often seek further information by clicking on links within the search results. Additionally, about 63% of respondents view AI-generated health information as reliable, though 25% think it’s generally unreliable.

Discussing Online Findings with Healthcare Providers

Many who look up health information online don’t discuss their findings with their healthcare providers. Only 12% bring it up often, while 40% do so sometimes. A third of patients feel they don’t have enough time to discuss their online findings during appointments.

Interestingly, while nearly half of respondents are uncomfortable with AI being used in clinical settings, about 41% believe their healthcare provider already uses AI tools for decision-making.

Tracking Personal Health

Today, 93% of people own smartphones or smartwatches, with younger individuals being more likely to use health-tracking apps. While many enjoy tracking their health data, only 52% are willing to share this information with their healthcare providers.

Most respondents are comfortable receiving alerts about prescriptions from pharmacists, with 80% either currently receiving these alerts or interested in signing up.

The landscape of health information is evolving. While traditional sources remain trustworthy, the integration of AI and digital tools into healthcare continues to raise questions about reliability and comfort.

For more insights on AI’s role in health, consider exploring resources from the Annenberg Public Policy Center.

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