Almost 30% of Brits are using AI to self-diagnose themselves
New polling from Ipsos shows that Brits are increasingly turning to the Internet and AI to help diagonse medical issues.
The data shows that two in three (66%) Britons have looked up the symptoms online on websites like NHS.uk within the past year. By comparison, almost three in ten (28%) say they have also used AI chatbots for their own health.
After using an AI chatbot:
- 27% decided they didn’t need to book an appointment at their GP practice;
- 26% decided to book an appointment at their GP practice;
- The same proportion (26%) got information but still booked an appointment at their GP practice as planned;
- 15% used another health service (e.g. pharmacy, NHS 111).
While using technology to discover potential health issues could be argued as a good thing, the data shows thattechnology is also increasingly being seen to excaerbeta some issues.
- Two-thirds (67%) of Britons say they experience health-related anxiety, with 27% saying they have a lot/a moderate amount, and 40% saying they have a little.
- 29% of Britons say that seeing health-related content on social media makes them feel more anxious about their health (8% much more anxious, 21% a little more anxious). 32% say it has no impact.
- 31% say looking up their symptoms online makes them feel more anxious about their health (7% much more anxious, 24% a little more anxious). 27% say it has no impact.
“With just over a quarter of the population experiencing at least a moderate amount of health-related anxiety, it is evident that the public is already using digital options for their health,” said Anna Quigley, Research Director at Ipsos Public Affairs.
“Two-thirds have checked their symptoms online while already three in ten have used an AI chatbot for their health. However, while these digital platforms offer convenience and accessibility, it is crucial to acknowledge the mental health implications they carry, as well as the potential for misleading or false information that they may provide.”
