Users of social media and AI chatbots for health information are more likely to say they are convenient than accurate

2026-04-07 · Source: Pew Research Center · Field: Health & Wellbeing — Public Health & Epidemiology, Medical Devices & Health Technology, Mental Health & Psychological Support · Depth: Fundamental Awareness, long

Summary

A Pew Research Center report, based on a survey of 5,111 U.S. adults conducted from October 20-26, 2025, reveals Americans' perceptions of health information obtained from social media and AI chatbots. The study found that 36% of adults sometimes get health information from social media, while 22% do so from AI chatbots. Younger Americans are more inclined to use social media for health information, though age differences are less pronounced for AI chatbots. While most users do not rate information from these digital sources as highly accurate or personalized, significant proportions find them highly convenient (40% for social media, 48% for AI chatbots) and, for chatbots, very easy to understand (41%). Uninsured individuals are slightly more prone to using these platforms for health information. Frequent users, however, report higher satisfaction with accuracy, with 24% of heavy social media users and 45% of heavy chatbot users rating the information as highly accurate.

Key takeaway

For public health communicators developing digital strategies, recognize that your audience values convenience and understandability in health information from social media and AI chatbots more than perceived accuracy. You should prioritize clear, accessible content while also explicitly addressing accuracy and source credibility. This approach can help build trust and mitigate the risks of misinformation, especially among younger and uninsured populations who rely heavily on these platforms.

Key insights

Digital health information from social media and AI chatbots is valued for convenience and understandability, not accuracy.

Principles

• Convenience drives digital health information seeking.
• Younger adults and uninsured rely more on new digital sources.
• Frequent users perceive higher accuracy in these platforms.

Method

A survey of 5,111 U.S. adults on the American Trends Panel, conducted Oct. 20-26, 2025, assessed views on health information sources, including social media and AI chatbots.

In practice

• Prioritize convenience and clarity in health information delivery.
• Target younger and uninsured populations with accessible health content.
• Monitor frequent user feedback for platform improvements.

Topics

• Social Media Health
• AI Chatbots
• Health Information Sources
• Public Perception
• Digital Health Literacy
• Survey Research

Best for: Executive, AI Product Manager, Policy Maker, Tech Journalist, General Interest

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Editorial summary, takeaway, and curation by AIssential. Original article published by Pew Research Center.