Third of Brits ‘would belief a psycho chatbot for fertility recommendation earlier than asking physician’
EXCLUSIVE: A study of 2,000 Brits found a shocking number have turned to AI for health guidance, but experts have warned it can provide misleading information, which can create anxiety.
Brits are turning to chatbots for medical advice(Image: Nikos Pekiaridis/NurPhoto/REX/Shutterstock)
A third of Brits admit they’d trust a psycho chatbot for fertility advice before asking a doctor, shock statistics show. They say easy access, faster responses and AI privacy were the main factors behind its appeal, the survey found.
But experts have warned results from AI can be misleading, inaccurate or overly generic which can cause delays, false reassurance or unnecessary anxiety. Research conducted by TFP Fertility show a total of 57% of people admit they would consider using artificial intelligence for fertility advice.
Dr Justin Chu, medical director at the firm, said: “AI undoubtedly brings a lot of positives to medical research and diagnosis when used in the hands of professionals.
“But it will often prove unreliable and risky for giving people any pertinent answers to their healthcare symptoms or questions.
“It’s heartening that while a third would turn first to AI for fertility advice, three in 10 would speak instead to an experienced and trained healthcare professional from the outset.”
The trend mirrors wider behaviour around online health searches, with three in ten 30 respondents saying they would turn to search engines for fertility-related questions.
Among those who had already used AI during their fertility journey, it was most commonly used by people worried about symptoms or unexpected changes.
Many also turned to AI for immediate reassurance, to better understand test results and medical information or using it to sense check their chances of conceiving, the survey found.
Dr Chu added: “Fertility is such a wide topic that it causes people to feel a whole range of emotions.
“So, while a quick first check on a bit of information with AI may appear harmless to many, it’s vital anyone discusses their fertility concerns extensively with a qualified doctor or nurse before making major or firm decisions on treatment or procedures to undertake.”
An NHS spokesperson said: “Fertility concerns should always be discussed with a qualified professional such as your GP.
“While AI tools can help people access information, they’re no substitute for expert advice, so trusted sources like the NHS should always be sought.”
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