The majority (59%) of Britons are now using artificial intelligence (AI) services to self-diagnose, however, only one in 10 (11%) claimed doing so helped significantly.
Of those using new technologies for their health, a fifth did so to save money on private healthcare costs, according to research from Confused.com
The research, surveying 2,000 people, found respondents were turning to tools like ChatGPT to expand their health knowledge and self-diagnose.
It also highlighted their top queries and whether the responses helped.
Symptom checks and side effects
Symptom checks topped the list, with almost two-thirds (63%) of people in the UK using AI to search for any physical or mental effects they were feeling.
Side effects (50%) ranked second, with many people (38%) also researching wellbeing techniques in diet and fitness, as well as treatment options (30%) such as medication and surgery.
One in five (20%) also sought mental health support in the form of therapy and coping strategies.
| AI Health Query | Percentage |
| Symptom checks | 63% |
| Side effects of medication or conditions | 50% |
| Lifestyle and wellbeing (diet, fitness, stress management, etc.) | 38% |
| Treatment options (medication, physical therapy, surgery, etc.) | 30% |
| Mental health support (therapy, CBT, coping strategies, etc.) | 20% |
Just over a third (35%) of people aged 65 and over were found to be using AI for self-diagnosis, with the vast majority (54%) checking their symptoms.
Although only some of the older generation were self-diagnosing online, 18-24-year-olds heavily relied on the technology, with more than three-quarters (85%) of that age group regularly searching.
Mixed results
Overall, only one in 10 (11%) claimed using AI helped their health situation a great deal, while similar numbers (9%) said it did not help them at all.
More than two in five (41%) claimed it helped somewhat.
Notably, three-quarters (75%) of non-binary people or those with an alternative identity claimed the diagnosis helped “a great deal,” compared to 9% of women and 13% of men.
Almost a half (42%) claimed that using AI was quicker than waiting for a doctor’s appointment.
In fact, 50% of 25-34-year-olds and 51% of 35-44-year-olds did not like to take any risks with timings. This group believed self-diagnosis online was a faster way to respond than waiting for a doctor.
One in five (20%) also had their family’s wellbeing in mind; researching online to determine how they can best support any loved ones’ health issues.
This opinion was most strongly held by the 35-44 age group, where it was held by almost a third (30%) of people.
Around a quarter (24%) felt more comfortable not having to speak face to face with a health professional, especially those aged 18-24, where this number rose to almost two-fifths (39%).
Almost one in five (17%) were seeking alternative medical advice and solutions, with 25-34-year-olds seeking it out more than any other age group at over a quarter (27%).
| Advantages | Percentage |
| It could be a lot quicker than waiting for a doctor’s appointment. | 42% |
| It could give an understanding of future health conditions to be cautious of in the future, allowing someone to take preventative measures now. | 27% |
| Feeling more comfortable not having to speak face-to-face with a health professional. | 24% |
| It could save money on private healthcare. | 20% |
| It could give peace of mind that you would be able to support your family’s health and wellness in the future. | 20% |
| It could give alternative medical advice outside of the norm, as the recommended professional advice didn’t work. | 17% |
Tom Vaughan, general manager for home and lifestyle at Confused.com, said: “Advances in AI technology have created a new way for people to approach healthcare and self-diagnosis.
“More individuals are taking steps to support their own and their family’s wellbeing, getting ahead of health concerns and addressing situations as quickly as possible.
“While AI can be useful for initial research and gaining an understanding of a condition, it’s clear that for the ultimate peace of mind people should consult a GP or pharmacist.
“GPs and other medical professionals are the only people who can accurately diagnose conditions, some of which may worsen or become long-term illnesses without the proper treatment.“
Vaughan also highlighted that insurance policies could provide peace of mind should the worst happen and that many providers offer virtual GPs and other health services as part of their propositions.
