Around 40 million people are using ChatGPT each day to seek health-related advice, according to data shared by OpenAI, highlighting the growing role of generative artificial intelligence in how individuals access and interpret health information. The figure underscores a broader shift in consumer behaviour as AI tools increasingly become a first point of reference for questions related to wellbeing, symptoms, and general health guidance.
The scale of daily usage reflects how conversational AI has moved beyond productivity and creative tasks into more sensitive and high-stakes areas such as health. Users are reportedly turning to AI chatbots for a range of queries, from understanding symptoms and medications to seeking lifestyle and mental health guidance. This trend mirrors the wider digital transformation of healthcare information, where accessibility and immediacy often drive adoption.
OpenAI has indicated that while ChatGPT is not designed to replace medical professionals, users are increasingly relying on it for preliminary information. The platform positions itself as a general informational tool rather than a diagnostic service, emphasising that responses should not be treated as professional medical advice. However, the sheer volume of health-related interactions highlights the influence such systems now wield.
The growing reliance on AI for health advice raises questions about accuracy, trust, and responsibility. Generative AI systems are trained on vast datasets and can produce plausible responses quickly, but they are also known to occasionally generate incorrect or misleading information. In health contexts, such inaccuracies can carry significant consequences, making safeguards and user education critical.
The trend also reflects gaps in access to healthcare services in many regions. Long wait times, high costs, and limited availability of professionals can prompt individuals to seek alternative sources of information. AI chatbots offer immediate responses, which can be particularly appealing for users seeking reassurance or basic understanding before consulting a professional.
From a public health perspective, the widespread use of AI tools for health advice presents both opportunities and challenges. On one hand, AI can help disseminate general health information, promote awareness, and encourage preventive care. On the other, it introduces risks related to misinformation, overreliance, and self-diagnosis without professional oversight.
OpenAI has stated that it continues to refine safety measures around health-related queries. This includes encouraging users to consult qualified professionals for medical decisions and limiting the scope of responses in areas that require clinical judgement. The company has also highlighted ongoing efforts to improve model accuracy and reduce harmful outputs.
Regulators and policymakers are closely watching the intersection of AI and healthcare information. As AI systems become more integrated into daily life, questions around accountability and oversight are becoming more pressing. Authorities in several regions are exploring frameworks to ensure that AI-generated health information meets certain standards of reliability and transparency.
The marketing and technology ecosystem is also paying attention to these developments. Health and wellness brands, digital health platforms, and advertisers are operating in an environment where AI-mediated interactions influence consumer perceptions and behaviour. The rise of AI as an information intermediary could reshape how brands communicate health-related messages and how consumers evaluate credibility.
For healthcare providers, the trend highlights the importance of digital engagement and patient education. As patients increasingly arrive with information sourced from AI tools, clinicians may need to address misconceptions while leveraging the opportunity to guide informed conversations. This dynamic adds another layer to the evolving patient provider relationship.
The use of AI for mental health related queries is another area of growing attention. Users often seek support or coping strategies through conversational AI, particularly in moments of stress or uncertainty. While AI can provide general guidance and resources, experts caution that it should not replace professional mental health care.
Industry observers note that the popularity of AI tools for health advice reflects broader trust in technology driven solutions. However, trust can be fragile. Maintaining confidence requires consistent performance, clear disclaimers, and visible commitment to safety. Any high-profile failures could prompt regulatory intervention or user backlash.
OpenAI’s disclosure of usage figures brings visibility to a trend that has been building steadily. As AI platforms continue to expand capabilities, health related use cases are likely to grow further. This makes ongoing investment in safety, transparency, and collaboration with healthcare experts increasingly important.
The development also raises ethical considerations around data privacy. Health related queries can be deeply personal, and users need assurance that their interactions are handled responsibly. AI companies are under pressure to demonstrate robust data protection practices and communicate clearly about how user data is managed.
Looking ahead, the role of AI in health information is expected to evolve alongside regulatory and technological advances. Improved accuracy, clearer boundaries, and integration with verified health resources could enhance the value of AI tools while mitigating risks.
The widespread use of ChatGPT for health advice illustrates how quickly generative AI has become embedded in everyday decision-making. As millions continue to turn to AI for guidance, the challenge for developers, regulators, and healthcare stakeholders will be to ensure that accessibility does not come at the cost of safety or trust.