Chatbot Diagnosis: Why Are Americans Using AI for Health?

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People are increasingly coming to AI for help with health.

Today, one of four Americans say they use AI chatbots to diagnose health symptoms, according to a recent report from the Pew Research Center.

These users are also learning about their lab results and treatment options.

To understand the reasons why, let’s dive deeper into this topic and how it can impact the health of our neighbors and communities.

Why Are Chatbots Used for Health Info?

Americans use AI chatbots for several health reasons, according to a Pew Research survey of 3,488 U.S. adults conducted June 22-28, 2026.

Reasons include:

• Get health information quickly
• Figure out what’s causing symptoms
• Get health information at little to no cost
• Get health information about treatments
• Learn more about a diagnosis from a doctor
• Help understand lab results
• Get health information you are uncomfortable talking about
• Help decide whether to go to a doctor

“In all, 34% of Americans ever use AI chatbots for at least one of the eight health and medical reasons we asked about,” according to Pew Research’s report.

About 22% of AI chatbot users say they turn to chatbots because they are low-cost or free, 15% say they use chatbots for health are to help decide whether to see a doctor, and 18% say they get health information they’re uncomfortable talking about from chatbots.

Who Is More Likely to Use AI for Health?

Data finds that several demographic groups are more likely to be chatbot health users.

The most likely groups to use chatbots include Asian Americans, adults younger than age 50, four-year college graduates, and upper-income adults.

For Latinos, 39% are reported to be chatbot health users.

“Adults who are more concerned about the increased use of AI are far less likely to be chatbot health users than those who are more excited about these technologies,” according to the Pew Research Center.

Do Users Value AI Chatbots for Health Information?

Most chatbot users see value in using these tools for health, Pew Research found

“A majority of chatbot health users see value in using these tools for health information. About half of these users (47%) say the information they get is extremely or very helpful, while 48% say it is somewhat helpful,” according to the report.

Only a few (5%) said AI chatbots’ health information was “not too or not at all helpful.”

Do Users Trust AI Chatbots with Their Health Information?

The Pew Research report shows mixed comfort levels sharing personal health information with AI chatbots.

29% of chatbot health users are reported to be extremely or very comfortable sharing personal health information with a chatbot.

Similarly, 26% of users say they are not too or not at all comfortable with sharing and 42% say they are somewhat comfortable.

“This comes at a time when some platforms have faced scrutiny for storing and selling people’s health data or using it to train large language models,” Pew Research states.

Improve Health in Your Community

In addition to patients using AI, nurses are tracking how AI is being used in nursing.

But what about understanding the health of your community?

Find out by downloading a Salud America! Health Report Card for your town!

Enter your county name and get auto-generated local data with interactive maps and comparative gauges on several health indicators. This can help you visualize and explore local issues in education, housing, transportation, food, health, and more.

See how your county stacks up compared to the rest of your state and nation.

Then email the Report Card to local leaders to raise awareness, include the data in a presentation or grant proposal, or share it on social media to drive healthy change in your community!

GET YOUR HEALTH REPORT CARD!