Recent findings from a survey conducted by KFF (Kaiser Family Foundation) highlight a stark contrast in how the general public utilizes artificial intelligence (AI) to access health information versus their trust in its precision.
Authored by Marley Presiado, Alex Montero, Lunna Lopes, and Liz Hamel, the KFF Health Misinformation Tracking Poll, dated August 15, 2024, explores the public’s perception of AI-powered chatbots and platforms for obtaining health data.
Artificial Intelligence: A Tool for Health Information Discovery
The study indicates that while roughly two-thirds of adults have engaged with AI services, only about one-third do so on a frequent basis. Those more likely to engage regularly with AI include younger adults and individuals with college degrees. A substantial number of adults express doubt about their ability to determine the accuracy of health information when delivered by AI chatbots. This skepticism persists even among half of the current AI user base.
Younger users, in particular, show a notable trend with one out of every six adults—and a quarter of those under 30—turning to AI chatbots monthly for health-related questions, reflecting AI’s expanding niche in this domain.
Public Trust and Skepticism Towards AI
Despite the growing use of AI for health advice, the majority of adults lack confidence in the guidance offered by AI chatbots, with 56% of those using AI sharing this sentiment. Various demographics, including individuals under 50 and Black and Hispanic adults, demonstrate marginally higher trust levels than their counterparts, albeit skepticism is widely prevalent.
Highlighting the discrepancy in trust depending on the type of information, the poll indicates that while AI chatbots are somewhat trusted for practical advice in areas like cooking or home repairs, only a minority places faith in such technologies for health or political guidance. When considering AI users specifically, 36% trust the chatbots for health information, while only 24% do so for political content.
Uncertainty Surrounding AI and the Quest for Accurate Health Information
Public opinion on whether AI positively or negatively influences the accuracy of health information online is deeply divided. With 55% of respondents undecided, only a small portion see AI as advantageous, and a similar fraction view it as unfavorable. Among those who regularly use AI, uncertainty is equally prevalent, with nearly half unsure about AI’s overall impact on this front.
As an independent entity specializing in health policy analysis and polling, KFF provides a non-profit perspective on significant health policy concerns. Their findings imply that even with AI’s deepening role in our daily routines, the public continues to harbor a significant level of doubt about the dependability and utility of AI-generated health information.
Incorporating the keywords “Health Information and Trust” and “AI Chatbots Health Information” aligns with the core themes of the article, reflecting the public’s apprehension toward AI’s contribution to health information and the overarching issue of trust in this innovative technology.
