Young UK patients turn to AI & TikTok for health guidance
Thousands of patients across the UK are now seeking health guidance from artificial intelligence tools, with fresh data suggesting that younger generations are the most likely to turn to platforms such as ChatGPT or TikTok instead of waiting for traditional clinical appointments.
AI uptake
A survey of 2,000 UK patients has found that one in four (24%) are using AI for healthcare information. The research, also shows that 30% of respondents would choose AI or social media over a clinician when seeking advice. The pattern is even more pronounced among younger patients, with 34% of 16-25-year-olds using ChatGPT for health queries and 30% favouring TikTok.
Digital shift
Digital platforms are not just being used for supplementary information. Almost 80% of survey participants said they do not feel fully in control of their healthcare. A further 63% reported feeling confused after their appointments, a potential driver behind the growing trend to seek clarifications or reassurance online. Despite the increased use of AI and social media, many patients remain uncertain about the next steps in their treatment.
Generational gap
The uptake of online sources for health advice is led by younger people, with a third of those aged 16 to 25 indicating a preference for digital tools. The same group is also more likely to turn to social media, where content on platforms like TikTok often shapes perceptions of symptoms and treatments. This reliance on non-clinical sources raises concerns around misinformation, delays in care, and heightened anxiety about health outcomes.
Patient engagement
"Patients are curious, informed and eager to take control of their health. They are drawn to these tools out of convenience or anxiety. So, the question is no longer whether patients will use AI, but how we can make that use safe, ensuring they understand the limits and feel supported to bring any insights into informed conversations with clinicians."
Despite this interest, there is caution among some healthcare professionals. In the survey, over a third of respondents (38%) reported feeling uncomfortable sharing information they had found online with their healthcare provider. This hesitancy may become a barrier to effective patient-clinician communication.
Clinical context
Healthcare professionals have observed a trend of patients presenting with concerns originating from online platforms. These discussions can lengthen consultations or require additional explanation to address misunderstandings caused by non-clinical content. The need for clinicians to provide context and reassurance remains critical, particularly when digital information lacks clinical rigour.
"We have patients who are anxious because they've watched lots of TikTok videos. We take the time to discuss with the patient what to expect. We can't control a lot of what happens on social media, but we can control what happens in this clinic, and that's what patients are going to take away," said Dr Uchenna Amaechi, GP and co-founder, 2Me Clinic.
Collaboration needed
With the use of AI advice now established in healthcare, some experts are calling for better mechanisms to ensure that digital engagement complements professional care. There is an increasing focus on how clinicians can work with patients to interpret findings from AI platforms safely and constructively.
"Patients are turning to AI because it's immediate. It's a natural response to a system under pressure, but it comes with risks: without clinical context or continuity, the information they find can be incomplete, overwhelming or simply wrong," said Christoph Lippuner, co-founder and CEO, Semble.
"Our job is to make it easier for clinicians and patients to stay connected, facilitated by healthcare systems that support open dialogue - and to ensure that when AI is part of the patient journey, it's used safely and constructively. The goal is simple: keep patients safe, reduce confusion, and ensure AI complements - not replaces - professional care," said Lippuner.
