Clinical Scorecard: KFF Tracking Survey on Health Information and Trust: The Role of Social Media and AI in Seeking Health Guidance
At a Glance
Category
Detail
Condition
Key Mechanisms
Target Population
U.S. adults, particularly younger adults (ages 18-29), Hispanic adults, and those with lower incomes.
Care Setting
Key Highlights
31% of U.S. adults use social media monthly for health information, with demographic distinctions noted.
29% of U.S. adults use AI tools or chatbots for health information monthly, with a noted increase over time.
Younger adults (ages 18-29) and Hispanic adults are more likely to use social media and AI for health information.
Guideline-Based Recommendations
Diagnosis
Management
Monitoring & Follow-up
Risks
Encourage patients to verify health information from reliable sources.
Patient & Prescribing Data
Use of social media and AI for health information is driven by the need for community and immediate support, particularly among those without regular healthcare access.
Clinical Best Practices
Encourage patients to verify health information from reliable sources.
Acknowledge the demographic differences in health information seeking behavior, particularly among younger and lower-income adults.
